Til expansion processes using specific cytokine combinations and/or akti treatment

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are methods of producing TILs via (i) pre-REP stimulation with a combination of interferon gamma (IFNγ) and an anti-PD-1 antibody, with or without a CD40 agonist, and with or without an anti-CTLA-4 antibody (ii) various concentrations of IL-15 and IL-21, with or without low-concentration IL-2, with or without an AKT inhibitor (AKTi) during REP expansion and/or pre-REP expansion, (iii) low-concentration IL-2 and an AKTi during REP expansion and/or pre-REP expansion, (iv) the combination of (i) and (ii), or (v) the combination of (i) and (iii).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US23/65821, filed Apr. 14, 2023, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/375,209, filed Sep. 9, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/331,757, filed Apr. 15, 2022, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM, LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISKTO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in XML file format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said XML file, created on Aug. 28, 2023, is named 116983-5110-US Sequence Listing.xml and is 352,256 bytes in size.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Treatment of bulky, refractory cancers using adoptive autologous transfer of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) represents a powerful approach to therapy for patients with poor prognoses. Gattinoni, et al., Nat. Rev. Immunol. 2006, 6, 383-393. TILs are dominated by T cells, and IL-2-based TIL expansion followed by a “rapid expansion process” (REP) has become a preferred method for TIL expansion because of its speed and efficiency. Dudley, et al., Science 2002, 298, 850-54; Dudley, et al., J. Clin. Oncol. 2005, 23, 2346-57; Dudley, et al., J. Clin. Oncol. 2008, 26, 5233-39; Riddell, et al., Science 1992, 257, 238-41; Dudley, et al., J Immunother. 2003, 26, 332-42. A number of approaches to improve responses to TIL therapy in melanoma and to expand TIL therapy to other tumor types have been explored with limited success, and the field remains challenging. Goff, et al., J. Clin. Oncol. 2016, 34, 2389-97; Dudley, et al., J. Clin. Oncol. 2008, 26, 5233-39; Rosenberg, et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 2011, 17, 4550-57. Combination studies with single immune checkpoint inhibitors have also been described, but further studies are ongoing and additional methods of treatment are needed (Kvemeland, et al., Oncotarget, 2020, 11(22), 2092-2105).

Furthermore, current TIL manufacturing and treatment processes are limited by length, cost, sterility concerns, and other factors described herein such that the potential to treat patients which are refractory other checkpoint inhibitor therapies have been severely limited. There is an urgent need to provide TIL manufacturing processes and therapies based on such processes that are appropriate for use in treating patients for whom very few or no viable treatment options remain. The present invention meets this need by providing a manufacturing process for use in generating more robust TILs.

The present invention provides an improved process and method for preparing TILs with particular combinations of cytokines and other cell culture medium constitutent in order to prepare therapeutic populations of TILs with increased therapeutic efficacy, reduced effector differentiation, improved memory and stem-like attributes, and increased functionality.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein are methods of producing a population of TILs via (i) pre-REP stimulation with a combination of interferon gamma (IFNγ), anti-PD-1, CD40 agonism, and/or CTLA-4 agonsim (ii) various combinations of IL-21, IL-15, low concentration IL-2, and an AKT inhibitor (AKTi) during REP expansion and/or pre-REP expansion, (iii) low concentration IL-2 and/or an AKTi during REP expansion and/or pre-REP expansion, (iv) the combination of (i) and (ii), or (v) the combination of (i) and (iii).

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) resecting a tumor from a cancer patient, the tumor         comprising a first population of TILs;     -   (b) processing the tumor into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (c) adding the multiple tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at D3, D4, D5, D6 or D7;     -   (e) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at 3000         IU/mL or lower, and/or a protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor,         OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed         for about 7-14 days to obtain the third population of TILs,         wherein the third population of TILs comprises a therapeutic         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed in         a closed container providing a second gas-permeable surface         area, and wherein the transition from step (d) to step (e)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at D3, D4, D5, D6 or D7;     -   (f) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from step         (f), wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f) occurs         without opening the system;     -   (g) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (g) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (f) to step (g) occurs without opening the system; and     -   (h) optionally cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the         harvested third population of TILs from step (g) using a         cryopreservation process.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) obtaining a tumor from a cancer patient, the tumor         comprising a first population of TILs;     -   (b) processing the tumor into a tumor digest;     -   (c) adding the tumor digest into a closed system;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion;     -   (e) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (d) to step (e) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion;     -   (f) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from step         (f), wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f) occurs         without opening the closed system; and     -   (g) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (g) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (f) to step (g) occurs without opening the closed system.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) obtaining a tumor from a cancer patient, the tumor         comprising a first population of TILs;     -   (b) processing the tumor into tumor fragments or a tumor digest;     -   (c) adding the tumor fragments or tumor digest into a closed         system;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion;     -   (e) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (d) to step (e) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion;     -   (f) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from step         (f), wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f) occurs         without opening the closed system; and     -   (g) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (g) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (f) to step (g) occurs without opening the closed system.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) obtaining a tumor from a cancer patient, the tumor         comprising a first population of TILs;     -   (b) processing the tumor into a tumor digest and cryopreserving         the tumor digest;     -   (c) thawing the cryopreserved tumor digest and adding the tumor         digest into a closed system;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion;     -   (e) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (d) to step (e) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion;     -   (f) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from step         (f), wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f) occurs         without opening the closed system; and     -   (g) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (g) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (f) to step (g) occurs without opening the closed system.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) performing a first expansion by culturing tumor fragments         obtained from a tumor obtained from a cancer patient to generate         a first population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising         IL-2 to produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first         expansion is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion;     -   (b) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (a) to step (b) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion;     -   (c) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from step         (b), wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f) occurs         without opening the closed system; and     -   (d) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (g) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (f) to step (g) occurs without opening the closed system.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) performing a first expansion by culturing a tumor digest         obtained from a tumor obtained from a cancer patient to generate         a first population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising         IL-2 to produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first         expansion is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion;     -   (b) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (a) to step (b) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion;     -   (c) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from step         (b), wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f) occurs         without opening the closed system; and     -   (d) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (g) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (f) to step (g) occurs without opening the closed system.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) performing a first expansion by culturing tumor fragments or         a tumor digest obtained from a tumor obtained from a cancer         patient to generate a first population of TILs in a cell culture         medium comprising IL-2 to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first         expansion is performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second         population of TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to         step (d) occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein         the cell culture medium is replaced at the third day of the         first expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at         the fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the         first expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion;     -   (b) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (a) to step (b) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion;     -   (c) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from step         (b), wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f) occurs         without opening the closed system; and     -   (d) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (g) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (f) to step (g) occurs without opening the closed system.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) performing a first expansion by thawing a cryopreserved         tumor digest and culturing the tumor digest obtained from a         tumor obtained from a cancer patient to generate a first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion;     -   (b) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (a) to step (b) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion;     -   (c) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from step         (b), wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f) occurs         without opening the closed system; and     -   (d) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (g) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (f) to step (g) occurs without opening the closed system.

The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a step of cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the harvested third population of TILs using a cryopreservation process.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) obtaining a tumor from a cancer patient, the tumor         comprising a first population of TILs;     -   (b) processing the tumor into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (c) adding the multiple tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion; and     -   (e) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (d) to step (e) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) obtaining a tumor from a cancer patient, the tumor         comprising a first population of TILs;     -   (b) processing the tumor into a tumor digest;     -   (c) adding the tumor digest into a closed system;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion; and     -   (e) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (d) to step (e) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) obtaining a tumor from a cancer patient, the tumor         comprising a first population of TILs;     -   (b) processing the tumor into tumor fragments or a tumor digest;     -   (c) adding the tumor fragments or tumor digest into a closed         system;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion; and     -   (e) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (d) to step (e) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) obtaining a tumor from a cancer patient, the tumor         comprising a first population of TILs;     -   (b) processing the tumor into a tumor digest and cryopreserving         the tumor digest;     -   (c) thawing the cryopreserved tumor digest and adding the tumor         digest into a closed system;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion;     -   (e) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (d) to step (e) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion;     -   (f) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from step         (f), wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f) occurs         without opening the closed system; and     -   (g) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (g) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (f) to step (g) occurs without opening the closed system.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) performing a first expansion by culturing tumor fragments         obtained from a tumor obtained from a cancer patient to generate         a first population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising         IL-2 to produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first         expansion is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion; and     -   (b) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (a) to step (b) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) performing a first expansion by culturing a tumor digest         obtained from a tumor obtained from a cancer patient to generate         a first population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising         IL-2 to produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first         expansion is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion; and     -   (b) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (a) to step (b) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) performing a first expansion by culturing tumor fragments or         a tumor digest obtained from a tumor obtained from a cancer         patient to generate a first population of TILs in a cell culture         medium comprising IL-2 to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first         expansion is performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second         population of TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to         step (d) occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein         the cell culture medium is replaced at the third day of the         first expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at         the fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the         first expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion;         and     -   (b) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (a) to step (b) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) performing a first expansion by thawing a cryopreserved         tumor digest and culturing the tumor digest obtained from a         tumor obtained from a cancer patient to generate a first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion; and     -   (b) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a         concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to         obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third         population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (a) to step (b) occurs without opening the         closed system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at the fourth         day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the second         expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at the         seventh day of the second expansion.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 is a lower dose of IL-2.

In some embodiments, the culture medium in step (d) comprises IL-2 at 3000 IU/mL or lower, and/or a protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the culture medium in step (e) comprises a protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the culture medium of step (d) and/or step (e) comprises IL-15 and/or IL-21.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding IFNγ at a concentration of 200 ng/ml and an anti-PD-1 antibody during DO, D1 or D2 of step (d).

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding a CD40 agonist and/or an inhibitor of CTLA-4 during DO, D1 or D2 of step (d).

In some embodiments, after step (a) and prior to step (b) the method comprises a step of enzymatically digesting the multiple tumor fragments to obtain the first population of TILs.

In some embodiments, the first population of TILs is obtained from surgical resection, needle biopsy, core biopsy, small biopsy, or other means for obtaining a sample that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells from the cancer

In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, and Honokiol.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) resecting a tumor from a cancer patient, the tumor         comprising a first population of TILs;     -   (b) processing the tumor into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (c) adding the multiple tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at D3, D4, D5, D6 or D7;     -   (e) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-15 and/or         IL-21, OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a         third population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is         performed for about 7-14 days to obtain the third population of         TILs, wherein the third population of TILs comprises a         therapeutic population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is         performed in a closed container providing a second gas-permeable         surface area, and wherein the transition from step (d) to         step (e) occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein         the cell culture medium is replaced at D3, D4, D5, D6 or D7;     -   (f) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from step         (f), wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f) occurs         without opening the system;     -   (g) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (g) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (f) to step (g) occurs without opening the system; and     -   (h) optionally cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the         harvested third population of TILs from step (g) using a         cryopreservation process.

In some embodiments, the culture medium in step (d) comprises IL-15 and/or IL-21.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 is a lower dose of IL-2.

In some embodiments, the culture medium of step (d) and/or step (e) comprises IL-2 at 3000 IU/mL or lower, and/or a protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding IFNγ at a concentration of 200 ng/ml and an anti-PD-1 antibody during DO, D1 or D2 of step (d).

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding a CD40 agonist and/or an inhibitor of CTLA-4 during DO, D1 or D2 of step (d).

In some embodiments, after step (a) and prior to step (b) the method comprises a step of enzymatically digesting the multiple tumor fragments to obtain the first population of TILs.

In some embodiments, the first population of TILs is obtained from surgical resection, needle biopsy, core biopsy, small biopsy, or other means for obtaining a sample that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells from the cancer.

In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, and Honokiol.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) resecting a tumor from a cancer patient, the tumor         comprising a first population of TILs;     -   (b) processing the tumor into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (c) adding the multiple tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, wherein IFNγ and/or an inhibitor of PD-1 are added during         DO, D1 or D2 of step (d), and wherein the transition from         step (c) to step (d) occurs without opening the system,         optionally wherein the cell culture medium is replaced at D3,         D4, D5, D6 or D7;     -   (e) performing a second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium having OKT-3, and         antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population         of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed for about         7-14 days to obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the         third population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of         TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed         container providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and         wherein the transition from step (d) to step (e) occurs without         opening the system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium         is replaced at D3, D4, D5, D6 or D7;     -   (f) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from step         (f), wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f) occurs         without opening the system;     -   (g) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (g) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (f) to step (g) occurs without opening the system; and     -   (h) optionally cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the         harvested third population of TILs from step (g) using a         cryopreservation process.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding a CD40 agonist and/or an inhibitor of CTLA-4 during DO, D1 or D2 of step (d).

In some embodiments, the IL-2 is a lower dose of IL-2.

In some embodiments, the culture medium of step (d) and/or step (e) comprises IL-2 at 3000 IU/mL or lower, and/or a protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the culture medium of step (d) and/or step (e) comprises IL-15 and/or IL-21.

In some embodiments, after step (a) and prior to step (b) the method comprises a step of enzymatically digesting the multiple tumor fragments to obtain the first population of TILs.

In some embodiments, the first population of TILs is obtained from surgical resection, needle biopsy, core biopsy, small biopsy, or other means for obtaining a sample that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells from the cancer

In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, and Honokiol.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) resecting a tumor from a cancer patient, the tumor         comprising a first population of TILs;     -   (b) performing an initial expansion (or priming first expansion)         by culturing the first population of TILs in a cell culture         medium comprising IL-2, optionally OKT-3 (anti-CD3 antibody),         optionally comprising IL-15 and/or IL-21, and wherein the         priming first expansion is optionally performed in a closed         container providing a first gas-permeable surface area, wherein         the priming first expansion is performed for about 1-8 days to         obtain the second population of TILs, and wherein the transition         from step (a) to step (b) optionally occurs without opening the         system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is replaced         at D3, D4, D5, D6 or D7;     -   (c) performing a rapid second expansion of the second population         of TILs in a second cell culture medium to obtain a third         population of TILs; wherein the second cell culture medium         comprises IL-2 at 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3 (anti-CD3         antibody), IL-15 and/or IL-21, APCs, and/or a protein kinase B         (AKT) inhibitor; and wherein the rapid expansion is performed         over a period of 14 days or less, optionally the rapid second         expansion can proceed for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4, days, 5         days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, or 11 days after         initiation of the rapid second expansion, optionally wherein the         cell culture medium is replaced at D3, D4, D5, D6 or D7;     -   (d) harvesting the third population of TILs; and     -   (e) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (d) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (d) to step (e) occurs without opening the system; and     -   (f) cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the harvested         third population of TILs from step (e) using a cryopreservation         process.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 is a lower dose of IL-2.

In some embodiments, the culture medium in step (b) comprises IL-2 at 3000 IU/mL or lower, and/or a protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the culture medium of step (b) and/or step (c) comprises IL-15 and/or IL-21.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding IFNγ at a concentration of 200 ng/ml and an inhibitor of PD-1 during DO, D1 or D2 of step (b).

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding a CD40 agonist and/or an inhibitor of CTLA-4 during DO, D1 or D2 of step (b).

In some embodiments, the first population of TILs is obtained from surgical resection, needle biopsy, core biopsy, small biopsy, or other means for obtaining a sample that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells from the cancer.

In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, and Honokiol.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of.

-   -   (a) resecting a tumor from a cancer patient, the tumor         comprising a first population of TILs;     -   (b) performing an initial expansion (or priming first expansion)         by culturing the first population of TILs in a cell culture         medium comprising IL-2, optionally OKT-3 (anti-CD3 antibody),         optionally comprising IL-15 and/or IL-21, and wherein the         priming first expansion is optionally performed in a closed         container providing a first gas-permeable surface area, wherein         the priming first expansion is performed for about 1-8 days to         obtain the second population of TILs, and wherein the transition         from step (a) to step (b) optionally occurs without opening the         system, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is replaced         at D3, D4, D5, D6 or D7;     -   (c) performing a rapid second expansion of the second population         of TILs in a second cell culture medium to obtain a third         population of TILs; wherein the second cell culture medium         comprises IL-2, OKT-3 (anti-CD3 antibody), IL-15 and/or IL-21,         APCs, and; and wherein the rapid expansion is performed over a         period of 14 days or less, optionally the rapid second expansion         can proceed for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4, days, 5 days, 6 days,         7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, or 11 days after initiation of         the rapid second expansion, optionally wherein the cell culture         medium is replaced at D3, D4, D5, D6 or D7;     -   (d) harvesting the third population of TILs; and     -   (e) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (d) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (d) to step (e) occurs without opening the system; and     -   (f) cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the harvested         third population of TILs from step (e) using a cryopreservation         process.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 is a lower dose of IL-2.

In some embodiments, the culture medium in step (b) and/or step (c) comprises IL-2 at 3000 IU/mL or lower, and/or a protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the culture medium of step (b) and/or step (c) comprises IL-15 and IL-21.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding IFNg at a concentration of 200 ng/ml and an inhibitor of PD-1 during DO, D1 or D2 of step (b).

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding a CD40 agonist and/or an inhibitor of CTLA-4 during DO, D1 or D2 of step (b).

In some embodiments, the first population of TILs is obtained from surgical resection, needle biopsy, core biopsy, small biopsy, or other means for obtaining a sample that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells from the cancer

In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, and Honokiol.

The present invention provides for a method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) resecting a tumor from a cancer patient, the tumor         comprising a first population of TILs;     -   (b) performing an initial expansion (or priming first expansion)         by culturing the first population of TILs in a cell culture         medium comprising IL-2, optionally OKT-3 (anti-CD3 antibody),         optionally comprising IL-15 or IL-21, and wherein the priming         first expansion is optionally performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area, wherein the         priming first expansion is performed for about 1-8 days to         obtain the second population of TILs, wherein IFNγ and/or an         inhibitor of PD-1 are added during DO, D1 or D2 of step (b), and         wherein the transition from step (a) to step (b) optionally         occurs without opening the system, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at D3, D4, D5, D6 or D7;     -   (c) performing a rapid second expansion of the second population         of TILs in a second cell culture medium to obtain a third         population of TILs; wherein the second cell culture medium         comprises IL-2, OKT-3 (anti-CD3 antibody), and optionally         comprising IL-15 and/or IL-21, APCs; and wherein the rapid         expansion is performed over a period of 14 days or less,         optionally the rapid second expansion can proceed for 1 day, 2         days, 3 days, 4, days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days,         10 days, or 11 days after initiation of the rapid second         expansion, optionally wherein the cell culture medium is         replaced at D3, D4, D5, D6 or D7;     -   (d) harvesting the third population of TILs; and     -   (e) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (g) to an infusion bag, wherein the transition from         step (f) to step (g) occurs without opening the system; and     -   (h) cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the harvested         third population of TILs from step (g) using a cryopreservation         process.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 is a lower dose of IL-2.

In some embodiments, the culture medium in step (b) and/or step (c) comprises IL-2 at 3000 IU/mL or lower, and/or a protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the culture medium of step (b) and/or step (c) comprises IL-15 and IL-21.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding IFNγ at a concentration of 200 ng/ml and an inhibitor of PD-1 during DO, D1 or D2 of step (d).

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding a CD40 agonist and/or an inhibitor of CTLA-4 during DO, D1 or D2 of step (d).

In some embodiments, after step (a) and prior to step (b) the method comprises a step of enzymatically digesting the multiple tumor fragments to obtain the first population of TILs.

In some embodiments, the first population of TILs is obtained from surgical resection, needle biopsy, core biopsy, small biopsy, or other means for obtaining a sample that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells from the cancer.

In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, and Honokiol.

In some embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of melanoma, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), lung cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer, cancer caused by human papilloma virus, head and neck cancer (including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)), renal cancer, and renal cell carcinoma.

In some embodiments, the first population of TILs is stimulated with IFNg (interferon gamma), an inhibitor of PD-1 (e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody), a CD40 agonist (e.g., CD40L, an anti-CD40 agonistic antibody), and/or a CTLA-4 agonist (e.g., an anti-CTLA-4 agonistic antibody) for up to about 48 hours prior to the first expansion, and optionally, for 24 hours or 48 hours prior to the first expansion.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion step the cell culture medium further comprises antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and wherein the number of APCs in the culture medium in the rapid second expansion step is greater than the number of APCs in the culture medium in the priming first expansion step.

In some embodiments, the antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are added to the first population of TILs, the second population of TILs, or both.

In some embodiments, the CD40 or CD40L is present at an initial concentration of about 30 ng/mL in the cell culture medium during the stimulation.

In some embodiments, IFNg is present at an initial concentration of about 200 ng/mL in the cell culture medium during the stimulation.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 is present at an initial concentration of between 1000 IU/mL and 6000 IU/mL in the cell culture medium in the first expansion.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 is present at an initial concentration of between 1000 IU/mL and 6000 IU/mL in the cell culture medium in the second expansion.

In some embodiments, the low dose of IL-2 comprises 1000 IU/mL or less.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium of the first expansion further comprises a cytokine selected from the group consisting of IL-4, IL-7, IL-15, IL-21, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium of the second expansion further comprises a cytokine selected from the group consisting of IL-4, IL-7, IL-15, IL-21, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium of the stimulation further comprises a cytokine selected from the group consisting of IL-4, IL-7, IL-15, IL-21, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the first expansion is performed over a period of about 11 days.

In some embodiments, the first expansion is performed using a gas permeable container.

In some embodiments, the second expansion is performed using a gas permeable container.

In some embodiments, the stimulation is performed using a gas permeable container.

The present invention also provides for a population of TILs manufactured using the method as described herein.

In some embodiments, the population of TILs comprises from about 2.3×10¹⁰ to about 13.7×10¹⁰ TILs

The present invention also provides for a pharmaceutical composition comprising the population of TILs as described herein.

The present invention also provides for a method of treating a cancer patient, comprising administering the population of TILs as described herein or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of treating the patient with a non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen prior to administering the third population of TILs to the patient.

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen comprises the steps of administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for three days.

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen comprises the steps of administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day and fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for three days.

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen comprises the steps of administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day and fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for one day.

In some embodiments, the cyclophosphamide is administered with mesna.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of treating the patient with an IL-2 regimen starting on the day after the administration of TILs to the patient.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of treating the patient with an IL-2 regimen starting on the same day as administration of TILs to the patient.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 regimen is a high-dose IL-2 regimen comprising 600,000 or 720,000 IU/kg of aldesleukin, or a biosimilar or variant thereof, administered as a 15-minute bolus intravenous infusion every eight hours until tolerance.

In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective population of TILs is administered and comprises from about 2.3×10¹⁰ to about 13.7×10¹⁰ TILs.

In some embodiments, the TILs comprise genetically modified TILs, wherein optionally the first population of TILs and/or the second population of TILs is genetically modified to reduce the expression of CD39 and CD69.

In some embodiments, the TILs further comprises a genetic modification that reduces expression of one or more of the following immune checkpoint genes selected from the group comprising CTLA-4, LAG-3, HAVCR2 (TIM-3), Cish, TGFβ, PKA, CBL-B, PPP2CA, PPP2CB, PTPN6, PTPN22, PDCD1, BTLA, CD160, TIGIT, TET2, CD96, CRTAM, LAIRI, SIGLEC7, SIGLEC9, CD244, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF10A, CASP8, CASP10, CASP3, CASP6, CASP7, FADD, FAS, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, SMAD10, SKI, SKIL, TGIF1, IL10RA, IL10RB, HMOX2, IL6R, IL6ST, EIF2AK4, CSK, PAGI, SIT1, FOXP3, PRDM1, BATF, GUCY1A2, GUCY1A3, GUCYlB2, GUCYlB3, and TOX.

In some embodiments, the one or more immune checkpoint genes is/are selected from the group comprising PD-1, CBL-B, CTLA-4, LAG-3, HAVCR2 (TIM-3), Cish, TIGIT, TET2, TGFβ, and PKA.

In some embodiments, the genetically modified TILs further comprises an additional genetic modification that causes expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes to be enhanced in at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs, the immune checkpoint gene(s) being selected from the group comprising CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CX3CR1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-21, the NOTCH 1/2 intracellular domain (ICD), and/or the NOTCH ligand mDLL1.

In some embodiments, the genetically modifying step is performed using a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at said one or more immune checkpoint genes.

In some embodiments, the genetically modifying is performed using one or more methods selected from a CRISPR method, a TALE method, a zinc finger method, and a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the methods comprises a CRISPR method.

In some embodiments, the CRISPR method is a CRISPR/Cas9 method.

In some embodiments, the genetically modifying comprises a TALE method.

In some embodiments, the genetically modifying comprises a zinc finger method.

In some embodiments, processing a tumor sample obtained from the subject into a tumor digest comprises incubating the tumor sample in an enzymatic media.

In some embodiments, processing a tumor sample obtained from the subject into a tumor digest further comprises disrupting the tumor sample mechanically so as to dissociate the tumor sample.

In some embodiments, processing a tumor sample obtained from the subject into a tumor digest further comprises purifying the disassociated tumor sample using a density gradient separation.

In some embodiments, the enzymatic media comprises DNase.

In some embodiments, the enzymatic media comprises 30 units/mL of DNase.

In some embodiments, the enzymatic media comprises collagenase.

In some embodiments, the enzymatic media comprises 1.0 mg/mL of collagenase.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs harvested comprises sufficient TILs for use in administering a therapeutically effective dosage to a subject.

In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective dosage comprises from about 1×10⁹ to about 9×10¹⁰ TILs.

In some embodiments, the APCs comprise peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs harvested in step (e) exhibits an increased subpopulation of CD⁴+ cells relative to the first and/or second population of TILs.

In some embodiments, the PBMCs are supplemented at a ratio of about 1:25 TIL:PBMCs.

In some embodiments, the first expansion step is performed in about 3-11 days.

In some embodiments, the second expansion step is performed in about 7-11 days.

In some embodiments, the first expansion and the second expansion are each individually performed within a period of 11 days.

In some embodiments, the first expansion in step and the second expansion in step are each individually performed within a period of 11-12 days.

In some embodiments, steps (a) through (e), (f), (g), or (h) are performed in about 10 days to about 24 days.

In some embodiments, steps (a) through (e), (f), (g), (h) are performed in about 15 days to about 24 days.

In some embodiments, steps (a) through (e), (f), (g), or (h) are performed in about 20 days to about 24 days.

In some embodiments, steps (a) through (e), (f), (g), (h) are performed in about 20 days to about 22 days.

In some embodiments, the expansion process (step (a) through step (f)) is performed within about 22 days.

In some embodiments, the expansion process (step (a) through step (f)) is performed within about 24 days.

In some embodiments, the expansion process (step (a) through step (f)) is performed within about 26 days.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion and rapid second expansion are performed over a period of 21 days or less.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion and rapid second expansion are performed over a period of 16 or 17 days or less.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion is performed over a period of 7 or 8 days or less.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion is performed over a period of 11 days or less.

In some embodiments, the second population of TILs is at least 50-fold greater in number than the first population of TILs.

In some embodiments, the low dose of IL-2 is 100-3000 IU/mL, optionally less than 1000 IU/mL.

In some embodiments, the concentration of IL-15 is bout 10 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-21 is added at about 1 ng/mL, about 2 ng/mL, about 3 ng/mL, about 4 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 45 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, or about 60 ng/mL, optionally about 10 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, the concentration of IL-21 is about 1 ng/mL, about 2 ng/mL, about 3 ng/mL, about 4 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 45 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, or about 60 ng/mL, optionally about 10 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, the concentration of AKT inhibitor is about 1 uM, about 2 uM, about 3 uM, about 4 uM, about 5 uM, about 10 uM, about 20 uM, about 30 uM, about 40 uM, about 50 uM, or about 100 uM, optionally about 5 uM.

In some embodiments, the concentration of IFNg (interferon gamma) for stimulation is 200 ng/ml.

In some embodiments, the inhibitor of PD-1 is an anti-PD-1 antibody.

In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is pembrolizumab or nivolumab.

In some embodiments, the inhibitor of CTLA-4 is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody.

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 agonist is a CTLA-4 antibody.

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 antibody is ipilimumab, tremelimumab, or zalifrelimab.

The present invention also provides for a population of TILs according to any of the methods as described herein.

The present invention also provides for a cryopreserved population of TILs according to any of the methods as described herein.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 is 1000 IU/ml, the IL-21 is 10 ng/ml and the AKTi is 5 uM.

The present invention provides for a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprising:

-   -   (a) performing a priming first expansion by culturing a first         population of TILs obtained from a tumor from a cancer patient         in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, optionally OKT-3, and         antigen presenting cells (APCs) to produce a second population         of TILs, wherein the priming first expansion is performed in a         container comprising a first gas-permeable surface area, wherein         the priming first expansion is performed for first period of         about 1 to 7/8 days to obtain the second population of TILs,         wherein the second population of TILs is greater in number than         the first population of TILs, optionally wherein the cell         culture medium is replaced at the third day of the first         expansion, at the fourth day of the first expansion, at the         fifth day of the first expansion, at the sixth day of the first         expansion or at the seventh day of the first expansion;     -   (b) performing a rapid second expansion by supplementing the         cell culture medium of the second population of TILs with         additional IL-2, OKT-3, and APCs, to produce a third population         of TILs, wherein the number of APCs added in the rapid second         expansion is at least twice the number of APCs added in step         (b), wherein the rapid second expansion is performed for a         second period of about 1 to 11 days to obtain the third         population of TILs, wherein the third population of TILs is a         therapeutic population of TILs, wherein the rapid second         expansion is performed in a container comprising a second         gas-permeable surface area, optionally wherein the cell culture         medium is replaced at the third day of the second expansion, at         the fourth day of the second expansion, at the fifth day of the         second expansion, at the sixth day of the second expansion or at         the seventh day of the second expansion; and     -   (c) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from         step (b).

In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

-   -   (d) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from         step (c) to an infusion bag; and     -   (e) cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the harvested         third population of TILs from step (d) using a cryopreservation         process.

In some embodiments, the culture medium in step (a) comprises IL-2 at 3000 IU/mL or lower, and/or a protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor

In some embodiments, the culture medium in step (a) or step (b) comprises a protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the culture medium in step (a) or step (b) comprises the AKT inhibitor at a concentration of about 0.1 μM to about 10 μM.

In some embodiments, the culture medium in step (a) or step (b) comprises the AKT inhibitor at a concentration of about 1 μM.

In some embodiments, the culture medium of step (a) and/or step (b) comprises IL-15 and/or IL-21.

In some embodiments, the culture medium of step (a) and/or step (b) comprises IL-15 and/or IL-21 at a concentration of about 1 ng/mL to about 100 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, the culture medium of step (a) and/or step (b) comprises IL-15 and/or IL-21 at a concentration of about 10 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding IFNγ at a concentration of 200 ng/ml and an anti-PD-1 antibody during DO, D1 or D2 of step (a) and/or step (b).

In some embodiments, the method further comprises adding a CD40 agonist and/or an inhibitor of CTLA-4 during DO, D1 or D2 of step (a) and/or step (b).

In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, and Honokiol.

In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is AZD5363.

In some embodiments, the method comprises a step of enzymatically digesting the multiple tumor fragments to obtain a tumor digest comprising the first population of TILs.

In some embodiments, the first population of TILs is obtained from surgical resection, needle biopsy, core biopsy, small biopsy, or other means for obtaining a sample that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells from the cancer.

In some embodiments, during the second expansion, the second population of TILs is split into one or more cultures and supplemented with additional cell culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and APCs.

The method of claim 119, wherein the second population of TILs is split into 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 cultures.

In some embodiments, the second population of TILs is split at the second day of the second expansion, third day of the second expansion, fourth day of the second expansion, or fifth day of the second expansion.

In some embodiments, the method of any of the preceding claims wherein the closed system is optional.

In some embodiments, the method of any of the preceding claims wherein the system is not closed.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a therapeutic population of TILs manufactured using the method disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs comprises from about 2.3×10¹⁰ to about 13.7×10¹⁰ TILs.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs comprises from about 1×10⁹ to about 1×10¹¹ TILs.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits enhanced polyfunctionality in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits a more stem-like phenotype in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits an increase in the frequency of less activated and/or differentiated TILs in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits improved tumore cell killing in an allogeneic setting in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits increased expression of a memory associated marker selected from the group consisting of CD27, CD28, CD62L, and IL-7R, in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits reduced expression of a activation marker selected from the group consisting of CD38, CD39, and CD69, in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits reduced expression of an inhibitory/exhaustion associated marker selected from the group consisting of LAG3, TIM3, TIGIT, and TOX, in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits increased expression of a functional marker selected from the group consisting of GZMB, CXCR3, IFNg, TNFa, and IL-2, in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 : Exemplary Gen 2 (process 2A) chart providing an overview of Steps A through F.

FIG. 2A-2C: Process flow chart of an embodiment of Gen 2 (process 2A) for TIL manufacturing.

FIG. 3 : Shows a diagram of an embodiment of a cryopreserved TIL exemplary manufacturing process (˜22 days).

FIG. 4 : Shows a diagram of an embodiment of Gen 2 (process 2A), a 22-day process for TIL manufacturing.

FIG. 5 : Comparison table of Steps A through F from exemplary embodiments of process 1C and Gen 2 (process 2A) for TIL manufacturing.

FIG. 6 : Detailed comparison of an embodiment of process 1C and an embodiment of Gen 2 (process 2A) for TIL manufacturing.

FIG. 7 : Exemplary Gen 3 type TIL manufacturing process.

FIG. 8A-8J: A) Shows a comparison between the 2A process (approximately 22-day process) and an embodiment of the Gen 3 process for TIL manufacturing (approximately 14-days to 16-days process). B) Exemplary Process Gen3 chart providing an overview of Steps A through F (approximately 14-days to 16-days process). C) Chart providing three exemplary Gen 3 processes with an overview of Steps A through F (approximately 14-days to 16-days process) for each of the three process variations. D) Exemplary Modified Gen 2-like process providing an overview of Steps A through F (approximately 22-days process). E) Shows a comparison between the 2A process (approximately 22-day process) and an embodiment of the Gen 3 process for TIL manufacturing (approximately 14-days to 22-days process). F) Exemplary Process (a) CD39/CD69 double negative, (b) CD39/CD69^(LO/LO), or the combination of (i) and (ii) TIL expansion method Gen3 chart providing an overview of Steps A through F (approximately 14-days to 22-days process). G) Exemplary embodiment of the (a) CD39/CD69 double negative, (b) CD39/CD69^(LO/LO), or the combination of (i) and (ii) TIL expansion method with preselection described herein. H) Exemplary TS-TIL process providing an overview of Steps A through F (approximately 22-days process). I) Exemplary Modified I-TIL process providing an overview of Steps A through F (approximately 22-days process). J) Exemplary Modified TS-TIL process providing an overview of Steps A through F (approximately 22-days process).

FIG. 9 : Provides an experimental flow chart for comparability between Gen 2 (process 2A) versus Gen 3 processes.

FIG. 10 : Shows a comparison between various Gen 2 (process 2A) and the Gen 3.1 process embodiment.

FIG. 11 : Table describing various features of embodiments of the Gen 2, Gen 2.1 and Gen 3.0 process.

FIG. 12 : Overview of the media conditions for an embodiment of the Gen 3 process, referred to as Gen 3.1.

FIG. 13 : Table describing various features of embodiments of the Gen 2, Gen 2.1 and Gen 3.0 process.

FIG. 14 : Table comparing various features of embodiments of the Gen 2 and Gen 3.0 processes.

FIG. 15 : Table providing media uses in the various embodiments of the described expansion processes.

FIG. 16 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16-day process).

FIG. 17 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a method for expanding T cells from hematopoietic malignancies using Gen 3 expansion platform.

FIG. 18 : Provides the structures I-A and I-B. The cylinders refer to individual polypeptide binding domains. Structures I-A and I-B comprise three linearly-linked TNFRSF binding domains derived from e.g., 4-1BBL or an antibody that binds 4-1BB, which fold to form a trivalent protein, which is then linked to a second trivalent protein through IgG1-Fc (including CH3 and CH2 domains) is then used to link two of the trivalent proteins together through disulfide bonds (small elongated ovals), stabilizing the structure and providing an agonists capable of bringing together the intracellular signaling domains of the six receptors and signaling proteins to form a signaling complex. The TNFRSF binding domains denoted as cylinders may be scFv domains comprising, e.g., a V_(H) and a V_(L) chain connected by a linker that may comprise hydrophilic residues and Gly and Ser sequences for flexibility, as well as Glu and Lys for solubility.

FIG. 19 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16-day process).

FIG. 20 : Provides a process overview for an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3.1 process (a 16 day process).

FIG. 21 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3.1 Test process (a 16-17 day process).

FIG. 22 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16-day process).

FIG. 23A-23B: Comparison table for exemplary Gen 2 and exemplary Gen 3 processes.

FIG. 24 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16/17 day process) preparation timeline.

FIG. 25 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 14-16 day process).

FIG. 26A-26B: Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16 day process).

FIG. 27 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16 day process).

FIG. 28 : Comparison of Gen 2, Gen 2.1 and an embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16 day process).

FIG. 29 : Comparison of Gen 2, Gen 2.1 and an embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16 day process).

FIG. 30 : Gen 3 embodiment components.

FIG. 31 : Gen 3 embodiment flow chart comparison (Gen 3.0, Gen 3.1 control, Gen 3.1 test).

FIG. 32 : Shown are the components of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16-17 day process).

FIG. 9 : Provides an experimental flow chart for comparability between Gen 2 (process 2A) versus Gen 3 processes.

FIG. 10 : Shows a comparison between various Gen 2 (process 2A) and the Gen 3.1 process embodiment.

FIG. 11 : Table describing various features of embodiments of the Gen 2, Gen 2.1 and Gen 3.0 process.

FIG. 12 : Overview of the media conditions for an embodiment of the Gen 3 process, referred to as Gen 3.1.

FIG. 13 : Table describing various features of embodiments of the Gen 2, Gen 2.1 and Gen 3.0 process.

FIG. 14 : Table comparing various features of embodiments of the Gen 2 and Gen 3.0 processes.

FIG. 15 : Table providing media uses in the various embodiments of the described expansion processes.

FIG. 16 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16-day process).

FIG. 17 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of a method for expanding T cells from hematopoietic malignancies using Gen 3 expansion platform.

FIG. 18 : Provides the structures I-A and I-B. The cylinders refer to individual polypeptide binding domains. Structures I-A and I-B comprise three linearly-linked TNFRSF binding domains derived from e.g., 4-1BBL or an antibody that binds 4-1BB, which fold to form a trivalent protein, which is then linked to a second trivalent protein through IgG1-Fc (including CH3 and CH2 domains) is then used to link two of the trivalent proteins together through disulfide bonds (small elongated ovals), stabilizing the structure and providing an agonists capable of bringing together the intracellular signaling domains of the six receptors and signaling proteins to form a signaling complex. The TNFRSF binding domains denoted as cylinders may be scFv domains comprising, e.g., a V_(H) and a V_(L) chain connected by a linker that may comprise hydrophilic residues and Gly and Ser sequences for flexibility, as well as Glu and Lys for solubility.

FIG. 19 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16-day process).

FIG. 20 : Provides a process overview for an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3.1 process (a 16 day process).

FIG. 21 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3.1 Test process (a 16-17 day process).

FIG. 22 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16-day process).

FIG. 23A-23B: Comparison table for exemplary Gen 2 and exemplary Gen 3 processes.

FIG. 24 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16/17 day process) preparation timeline.

FIG. 25 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 14-16 day process).

FIG. 26A-26B: Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16 day process).

FIG. 27 : Schematic of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16 day process).

FIG. 28 : Comparison of Gen 2, Gen 2.1 and an embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16 day process).

FIG. 29 : Comparison of Gen 2, Gen 2.1 and an embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16 day process).

FIG. 30 : Gen 3 embodiment components.

FIG. 31 : Gen 3 embodiment flow chart comparison (Gen 3.0, Gen 3.1 control, Gen 3.1 test).

FIG. 32 : Shown are the components of an exemplary embodiment of the Gen 3 process (a 16-17 day process).

FIG. 33 : Acceptance criteria table.

FIG. 34 : Schematic for workflow in Example 15.

FIG. 35 : Schematic for workflow in Example 17.

FIG. 36A-36B: TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15 given once or twice during the REP expansion process.

FIG. 37 : Frequency CD8, CD4 (Foxp3−), CD4 (Foxp3+) and live TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15 given once or twice during the REP expansion process.

FIG. 38A-38E: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15 given once or twice during the REP expansion process. TILs were thawed and stained to measure (A) CD28 (B) CD127 (C) PD-1 (D) LAG3 and (E) TIM3 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 39A-39B: Frequency of PD-1 and TIM3 subsets in CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15 given once or twice during the REP expansion process. (A) Frequency of PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs and (B) PD-1-TIM3− TILs.

FIG. 40A-40B: TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 in combination with IL-21 with or without 1 uM of GDC-0068 or IL-15 alone or in combination with IL-21 when added once or twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 41 : Frequency NK, NKT cells and live cells following standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 in combination with IL-21 with or without 1 uM of GDC-0068 or IL-15 alone or in combination with IL-21 when added once or twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 42A-42E: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 in combination with IL-21 with or without 1 uM of GDC-0068 or IL-15 alone or in combination with IL-21 when added once or twice during the expansion process. TILs were thawed and stained to measure (A) CD28 (B) CD127 (C) PD-1 (D) LAG3 and (E) TIM3 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 43A-43C: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 in combination with IL-21 with or without 1 uM of GDC-0068 or IL-15 alone or in combination with IL-21 when added once or twice during the expansion process. TILs were thawed and stained to measure (A) CD25 (B) CD38 and (C) NKG2D expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 44A-44B: Expression of (A) CD69+CD39+ and (B) CD69-CD39-CD⁸+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 in combination with IL-21 with or without 1 uM of GDC-0068 or IL-15 alone or in combination with IL-21 when added once or twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 45A-45B: Frequency of PD-1 and TIM3 subsets in CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 in combination with IL-21 with or without 1 uM of GDC-0068 or IL-15 alone or in combination with IL-21 when added once or twice during the expansion process. (A) Frequency of PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs and (B) PD-1-TIM3− TILs.

FIG. 46A-46B: TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 47A-47E: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 added twice during the expansion process. TILs were thawed and stained to measure (A) CD28 (B) CD127 (C) PD-1 (D) LAG3 and (E) TIM3 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 48A-48B: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 added twice during the expansion process. TILs were thawed and stained to measure (A) CD25 and (B) CD38 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 49A-49B: Expression of (A) CD69+CD39+ and (B) CD69-CD39− CD⁸+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 50A-50B: Frequency of CD40L expression on (A) CD⁸+(B) CD⁴+ TILs following overnight stimulation with TransAct and 4 hr culture in the presence of BrefeldinA the following day. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 51A-51B: TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 with or without 5 uM AKTi (GDC-0068) added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 52A-52E: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 with or without 5 uM AKTi (GDC-0068) added twice during the expansion process. TILs were thawed and stained to measure (A) CD28 (B) CD127 (C) PD-1 (D) LAG3 and (E) TIM3 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 53A-53B: Expression of (A) CD69+CD39+ and (B) CD69-CD39− CD⁸+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 with or without 5 uM AKTi (GDC-0068) added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 54 : Overview of the media conditions for an embodiment of the I-TIL process.

FIG. 55 : Overview of the media condition for an embodiment of the TS-TIL process.

FIG. 56A-56B: TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (30 ng/ml) alone or in combination with different doses of IL-2 or with IL-15 with or without Panobinostat.

FIG. 57 : Frequency CD⁸+, CD⁴+ and live TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (30 ng/ml) alone or in combination with different doses of IL-2 or with IL-15 with or without Panobinostat.

FIG. 58A-58E: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (30 ng/ml) alone or in combination with different doses of IL-2 or with IL-15 with or without Panobinostat. TILs were thawed and stained to measure (A) CD28 (B) CD127 (C) PD-1 (D) LAG3 and (E) TIM3 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 59A-59B: Frequency of PD-1 and TIM3 subsets in CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (30 ng/ml) alone or in combination with different doses of IL-2 or with IL-15 with or without Panobinostat. (A) Frequency of PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs and (B) PD-1-TIM3− TILs.

FIG. 60A-60B: TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 in combination with IL-21 or 2-HC.

FIG. 61 : Frequency CD8, CD4 (Foxp3−), CD4 (Foxp3+) and live TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 in combination with IL-21 or 2-HC.

FIG. 62A-62E: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 in combination with IL-21 or 2-HC. TILs were thawed and stained to measure (A) CD28 (B) CD127 (C) PD-1 (D) LAG3 and (E) TIM3 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 63A-63B: TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 in combination with IL-21 with or without 1 uM of GDC-0068 or IL-15 alone or in combination with IL-21 when added once or twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 64 : Frequency of PD-1 and TIM3 subsets in CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 in combination with IL-21 or 2-HC. (A) Frequency of PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs and (B) PD-1-TIM3-TILs.

FIG. 65A-65F: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa (C) IFNg+ TNFa+(D) Ki-67 (E) PD-1 and (F) TOX expression on CD⁸+ TILs following overnight stimulation with TransAct and 4 hr culture in the presence of BrefeldinA the following day. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 in combination with IL-21 with or without 1 uM of GDC-0068 or IL-15 alone or in combination with IL-21 when added once or twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 66 : Frequency CD8, CD4 (Foxp3−), CD4 (Foxp3+), NK, NKT cells and live cells following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 67A-67B: Frequency of PD-1 and TIM3 subsets in CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 added twice during the expansion process. (A) Frequency of PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs and (B) PD-1-TIM3− TILs.

FIG. 68A-68F: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa (C) IFNg+ TNFa+(D) Ki-67 (E) PD-1 and (F) TOX expression on CD⁸+ TILs following overnight stimulation with TransAct and 4 hr culture in the presence of BrefeldinA the following day. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 69A-69C: Frequency of (A) Ki-67 (B) PD-1 and (C) TOX expression on CD⁴+ TILs following overnight stimulation with TransAct and 4 hr culture in the presence of BrefeldinA the following day. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 70 : Frequency CD8, CD4 (Foxp3−), CD4 (Foxp3+) and live cells following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 with or without 5 uM AKTi (GDC-0068) added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 71A-71B: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 with or without 5 uM AKTi (GDC-0068) added twice during the expansion process. TILs were thawed and stained to measure (A) CD25 and (B) CD38 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 72A-72B: Frequency of PD-1 and TIM3 subsets in CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 with or without 5 uM AKTi (GDC-0068) added twice during the expansion process. (A) Frequency of PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs and (B) PD-1-TIM3− TILs.

FIG. 73A-73F: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa (C) IFNg+ TNFa+(D) Ki-67 (E) PD-1 and (F) TOX expression on CD⁸+ TILs following overnight stimulation with aCD3/CD28 beads and 4 hr culture in the presence of BrefeldinA the following day. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 with or without 5 uM AKTi (GDC-0068) added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 74A-74C: Frequency of (A) Ki-67 (B) PD-1 and (C) TOX expression on CD⁴+ TILs following overnight stimulation with aCD3/CD28 beads and 4 hr culture in the presence of BrefeldinA the following day. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 with or without 5 uM AKTi (GDC-0068) added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 75A-75B: Frequency of CD40L expression on (A) CD⁸+(B) CD⁴+ TILs following overnight stimulation with aCD3/CD28 beads and 4 hr culture in the presence of BrefeldinA the following day. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with different concentrations of IL-21 with or without 5 uM AKTi (GDC-0068) added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 76A-76B: Fold expansion (A) and viability (B) under modified pre-REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 alone or in combination with different concentrations of GDC-0068 or IL-21 (10 ng/ml) added twice during the pre-REP expansion process.

FIG. 77A-77B: Frequency of (A) CD127 and (B) CD62L on CD8 TILs under modified pre-REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 alone or in combination with different concentrations of GDC-0068 or IL-21 (10 ng/ml) added twice during the pre-REP expansion process.

FIG. 78A-78B: Frequency of (A) CD69-CD39− and (B) CD69+CD39+CD8 TILs under modified pre-REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 alone or in combination with different concentrations of GDC-0068 or IL-21 (10 ng/ml) added twice during the pre-REP expansion process.

FIG. 79 : Frequency of Tcm-like CD8 TILs under modified pre-REP conditions including different concentrations of IL-2 alone or in combination with different concentrations of GDC-0068 or IL-21 (10 ng/ml) added twice during the pre-REP expansion process.

FIG. 80A-80B: TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) alone or in combination with different AKT inhibitors at previously titrated concentrations added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 81A-81D: Frequency CD8, CD4 (Foxp3−), CD4 (Foxp3+) and live cells following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) alone or in combination with different AKT inhibitors at previously titrated concentrations added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 82A-82F: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) alone or in combination with different AKT inhibitors at previously titrated concentrations added twice during the expansion process. TILs were thawed and stained to measure (A) CD28 (B) CD127 (C) PD-1 (D) LAG3 (E) TIM3 and (F) TIGIT expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 83A-83B: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) alone or in combination with different AKT inhibitors at previously titrated concentrations added twice during the expansion process. TILs were thawed and stained to measure (A) CD25 and (B) CD38 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 84A-84B: Expression of (A) CD69+CD39+ and (B) CD69-CD39-CD⁸+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) alone or in combination with different AKT inhibitors at previously titrated concentrations added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 85A-85B: Frequency of PD-1 and TIM3 subsets in CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) alone or in combination with different AKT inhibitors at previously titrated concentrations added twice during the expansion process. (A) Frequency of PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs and (B) PD-1-TIM3−TILs.

FIG. 86A-86F: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa (C) IFNg+ TNFa+(D) Ki-67 (E) PD-1 and (F) TOX expression on CD⁸+ TILs following overnight stimulation with aCD3/CD28 beads and 4 hr culture in the presence of BrefeldinA the following day. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) alone or in combination with different AKT inhibitors at previously titrated concentrations added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 87A-87C: Frequency of (A) Ki-67 (B) PD-1 and (C) TOX expression on CD⁴+ TILs following overnight stimulation with aCD3/CD28 beads and 4 hr culture in the presence of BrefeldinA the following day. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) alone or in combination with different AKT inhibitors at previously titrated concentrations added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 88A-88B: Frequency of CD40L expression on (A) CD⁸+(B) CD⁴+ TILs following overnight stimulation with aCD3/CD28 beads and 4 hr culture in the presence of BrefeldinA the following day. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) alone or in combination with different AKT inhibitors at previously titrated concentrations added twice during the expansion process.

FIG. 89A-89B: TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified pre-REP conditions including lower doses of IL-2 with or without varying doses of IL-21 or the AKT inhibitor MK-2206.

FIG. 90A-90D: Frequency CD8, CD4 (Foxp3−), CD4 (Foxp3+) and live cells following standard or modified pre-REP conditions including lower doses of IL-2 with or without varying doses of IL-21 or the AKT inhibitor MK-2206.

FIG. 91A-91F: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified pre-REP conditions including lower doses of IL-2 with or without varying doses of IL-21 or the AKT inhibitor MK-2206. TILs were stained to measure (A) CD28 (B) CD127 (C) PD-1 (D) LAG3 (E) TIM3 and (F) TIGIT expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 92A-92B: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified pre-REP conditions including lower doses of IL-2 with or without varying doses of IL-21 or the AKT inhibitor MK-2206. TILs were stained to measure (A) CD25 and (B) CD38 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 93A-93B: Expression of (A) CD69+CD39+ and (B) CD69-CD39-CD⁸+ TILs following standard or modified pre-REP conditions including lower doses of IL-2 with or without varying doses of IL-21 or the AKT inhibitor MK-2206.

FIG. 94A-94B: Frequency of PD-1 and TIM3 subsets in CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified pre-REP conditions including lower doses of IL-2 with or without varying doses of IL-21 or the AKT inhibitor MK-2206. (A) Frequency of PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs and (B) PD-1-TIM3− TILs.

FIG. 95A-95F: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa (C) IFNg+ TNFa+(D) Ki-67 (E) PD-1 and (F) TOX expression on CD⁸+ TILs following overnight stimulation with aCD3/CD28 beads and 4 hr culture in the presence of BrefeldinA the following day. TILs were expanded under standard or modified pre-REP conditions including lower doses of IL-2 with or without varying doses of IL-21 or the AKT inhibitor MK-2206.

FIG. 96A-96C: Frequency of (A) Ki-67 (B) PD-1 and (C) TOX expression on CD⁴+ TILs following overnight stimulation with aCD3/CD28 beads and 4 hr culture in the presence of BrefeldinA the following day. TILs were expanded under standard or modified pre-REP conditions including lower doses of IL-2 with or without varying doses of IL-21 or the AKT inhibitor MK-2206.

FIG. 97A-97B: Frequency of CD40L expression on (A) CD⁸+(B) CD⁴+ TILs following overnight stimulation with aCD3/CD28 beads and 4 hr culture in the presence of BrefeldinA the following day. TILs were expanded under standard or modified pre-REP conditions including lower doses of IL-2 with or without varying doses of IL-21 or the AKT inhibitor MK-2206.

FIG. 98A-98B: TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different AKT inhibitors.

FIG. 99A-99D: Frequency CD8, CD4 (Foxp3−), CD4 (Foxp3+) and live cells under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different AKT inhibitors.

FIG. 100A-100F: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different AKT inhibitors. TILs were stained to measure (A) CD28 (B) CD127 (C) PD-1 (D) LAG3 (E) TIM3 and (F) TIGIT expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 101A-101B: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different AKT inhibitors. TILs were stained to measure (A) CD25 and (B) CD38 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 102A-102B: Expression of (A) CD69+CD39+ and (B) CD69-CD39-CD⁸+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different AKT inhibitors.

FIG. 103A-103B: Frequency of PD-1 and TIM3 subsets in CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different AKT inhibitors. (A) Frequency of PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs and (B) PD-1-TIM3− TILs.

FIG. 104A-104C: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa and (C) IL-2 expressing CD⁸+ TILs following 6 hr stimulation with plate bound OKT3 in the presence of Brefeldin A and Monensin. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different AKT inhibitors.

FIG. 105A-105C: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa and (C) IL-2 expressing CD⁴+ TILs following 6 hr stimulation with plate bound OKT3 in the presence of Brefeldin A and Monensin. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different AKT inhibitors.

FIG. 106A-106B: Frequency of CXCR3 expression on (A) CD⁸+ and (B) CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different AKT inhibitors.

FIG. 107A-107B: TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different concentrations of AZD5363.

FIG. 108A-108D: Frequency CD8, CD4 (Foxp3−), CD4 (Foxp3+) and live cells under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different concentrations of AZD5363.

FIG. 109A-109F: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different concentrations of AZD5363. TILs were stained to measure (A) CD28 (B) CD127 (C) PD-1 (D) LAG3 (E) TIM3 and (F) TIGIT expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 110A-110B: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different concentrations of AZD5363. TILs were stained to measure (A) CD25 and (B) CD38 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 111A-111B: Expression of (A) CD69+CD39+ and (B) CD69-CD39-CD⁸+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different concentrations of AZD5363.

FIG. 112A-112B: Frequency of PD-1 and TIM3 subsets in CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different concentrations of AZD5363. (A) Frequency of PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs and (B) PD-1-TIM3− TILs.

FIG. 113A-113C: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa and (C) IFNg+ TNFa+ expressing CD⁸+ TILs following 6 hr stimulation with plate bound OKT3 in the presence of Brefeldin A and Monensin. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different concentrations of AZD5363.

FIG. 114A-114C: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa and (C) IFNg+ TNFa+ expressing CD⁴+ TILs following 6 hr stimulation with plate bound OKT3 in the presence of Brefeldin A and Monensin. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different concentrations of AZD5363.

FIG. 115A-115B: Frequency of GZMB expression on (A) CD⁸+ and (B) CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different concentrations of AZD5363.

FIG. 116A-116B: Frequency of CXCR3 expression on (A) CD⁸+ and (B) CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different concentrations of AZD5363.

FIG. 117A-117B: Frequency of TOX expression on (A) CD⁸+ and (B) CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) with different concentrations of AZD5363.

FIG. 118A-118B: TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15.

FIG. 119A-119D: Frequency CD8, CD4 (Foxp3−), CD4 (Foxp3+) and live cells under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15.

FIG. 120A-120F: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15. TILs were stained to measure (A) CD28 (B) CD127 (C) PD-1 (D) LAG3 (E) TIM3 and (F) TIGIT expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 121A-121B: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15. TILs were stained to measure (A) CD25 and (B) CD38 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 122A-122B: Expression of (A) CD69+CD39+ and (B) CD69-CD39-CD⁸+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15.

FIG. 123A-123B: Frequency of PD-1 and TIM3 subsets in CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15. (A) Frequency of PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs and (B) PD-1-TIM3− TILs.

FIG. 124A-124D: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa and (C) IFNg+ TNFa+(D) IL-2 expressing CD⁸+ TILs following 6 hr stimulation with plate bound OKT3 in the presence of Brefeldin A and Monensin. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15.

FIG. 125A-125D: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa and (C) IFNg+ TNFa+(D) IL-2 expressing CD⁴+ TILs following 6 hr stimulation with plate bound OKT3 in the presence of Brefeldin A and Monensin. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15.

FIG. 126A-126B: Frequency of GZMB expression on (A) CD⁸+ and (B) CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15.

FIG. 127A-127B: Frequency of CXCR3 expression on (A) CD⁸+ and (B) CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of different concentrations of IL-2 or IL-15.

FIG. 128A-128B: TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml).

FIG. 129A-129D: Frequency CD8, CD4 (Foxp3−), CD4 (Foxp3+) and live cells under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml).

FIG. 130A-130F: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml). TILs were stained to measure (A) CD28 (B) CD127 (C) PD-1 (D) LAG3 (E) TIM3 and (F) TIGIT expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 131A-131B: Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml). TILs were stained to measure (A) CD25 and (B) CD38 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 132A-132B: Expression of (A) CD69+CD39+ and (B) CD69-CD39-CD⁸+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml).

FIG. 133A-133B: Frequency of PD-1 and TIM3 subsets in CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml). (A) Frequency of PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs and (B) PD-1-TIM3− TILs.

FIG. 134A-134D: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa and (C) IFNg+ TNFa+(D) IL-2 expressing CD⁸+ TILs following 6 hr stimulation with plate bound OKT3 in the presence of Brefeldin A and Monensin. TILs were standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml).

FIG. 135A-135D: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa and (C) IFNg+ TNFa+(D) IL-2 expressing CD⁴+ TILs following 6 hr stimulation with plate bound OKT3 in the presence of Brefeldin A and Monensin. TILs were expanded under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml).

FIG. 136A-136B: Frequency of GZMB expression on (A) CD⁸+ and (B) CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml).

FIG. 137A-137B: Frequency of CXCR3 expression on (A) CD⁸+ and (B) CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml).

FIG. 138A-138B: Invigo-T expansion process increases TIL yield and viability. TIL expansion (A) and viability (B) under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml).

FIG. 139A-139D: Invigo-T expansion process increases the number of CD⁴+(Foxp3−) cells while decreasing the number of Foxp3+ cells. Frequency of CD8, CD4 (Foxp3−), CD4 (Foxp3+) and live cells under standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml).

FIG. 140A-140J: Invigo-T expansion process increases the expression of memory-associated markers and decreases the expression of inhibitory receptors. Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml). TILs were stained to measure (A) CD28, (B) CD127, (C) PD-1, (D) LAG3, (E) TIM3, (F) TIGIT, (G) CD27, (H) CD62L, (I) IL-7R, and (J) TOX expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 141A-141D: Invigo-T expansion process decreases the activation state of TIL. Marker expression on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml). TILs were stained to measure (A) CD25, (B) CD38, (C) CD39 and (D) CD69 expression by flow cytometry.

FIG. 142A-142B: Invigo-T expansion process sustains decreased activation state on TIL post stimulation. Expression of (A) CD69+CD39+ and (B) CD69-CD39− CD⁸+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml). Expression of CD38 and CD39 was assessed by FACS post-REP following OKT3 stimulation at 1 ug/ml for 6 hrs in the presence of Brefeldin A.

FIG. 143A-143B: Frequency of PD-1 and TIM3 subsets in CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml). (A) Frequency of PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs and (B) PD-1-TIM3− TILs.

FIG. 144A-144E: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa and (C) IFNg+ TNFa+(D) IL-2 and (E) IFNg+ TNFa+IL-2+ expressing CD⁸+ TILs following 6 hr stimulation with plate bound OKT3 in the presence of Brefeldin A and Monensin. TILs were standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml).

FIG. 145A-145E: Frequency of (A) IFNg (B) TNFa and (C) IFNg+ TNFa+(D) IL-2 and (E) IFNg+ TNFa+IL-2+ expressing CD⁴+ TILs following 6 hr stimulation with plate bound OKT3 in the presence of Brefeldin A and Monensin. TILs were standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml).

FIG. 146A-146C: Frequency of GZMB expression on (A) CD⁸+ and (B) CD⁴+ and (C) CD107a+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml).

FIG. 147A-147B: Frequency of CXCR3 expression on (A) CD⁸+ and (B) CD⁴+ TILs following standard or modified REP conditions including IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and AZD5363 in the presence of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) or IL-15 (10 ng/ml).

FIG. 148A-148C: Invigo-T expansion process increases the polyfunctionality of TIL. Cytokine expression was assessed by FACS post-REP following OKT3 stimulation at 1 ug/ml for 6 hrs in the presence of Brefeldin A for CD⁸+ TILs expanded by each process indicated. Similar results were observed for CD⁴+ TILs (not shown).

FIG. 149A-149E: Invigo-T expansion process increases TIL cytotoxicity in an allogeneic setting. TILs produced by the indicated process were (A) cocultured for 24 hrs with KILR® THP-1 cells at a 10:1 effector-to-target cell ratio to measure cytotoxicity in an allogeneic setting and (B, C) stimulated every 3 days with TransAct followed by coculture for 24 hrs with KILR® THP-1 cells and flow cytometry staining. Control and Invigo-T treated TIL were cocultured for 24 hrs with autologous tumor cells. IFNg levels were measured by ELISA 24 hrs later (D, E).

FIG. 150A-150B: Overall phenotypic changes observed with Invigo-T (A) on CD⁸+ TILs and (B) on CD⁴+ TILs.

FIG. 151A-151B: Results from bulk TCRseq of control or Invigo-T expanded TIL. Bulk TCRb sequencing was performed on control or Invigo-T treated TIL. Depicted are (A) Shannon Diversity Index (B) and Simpson Clonality Index for control vs. Invigo-T. Data are shown as mean±SD and n=5 per group.

FIG. 152A-152C: Different predicted cell type distribution between CTRL and Invigo-T scRNAseq samples. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) was performed on control and Invigo-T treated TIL. (A) UMAP dimensionality reduction visualization labeled based on automated reference atlas predicted cell type annotation. (B) UMAP visualization of reference mapping results for control (left) vs. Invigo-T (right). (C) Bar plot visualization of mean cluster frequencies for control vs. Invigo-T groups.

FIG. 153 : Distinct CD8 T cell cluster distribution between CTRL and Invigo-T expanded TIL. CD8 T cell UMAP dimensionality reduction visualizations colored based on group (left) and Seurat defined clusters (right).

FIG. 154A-154C: Invigo-T enriches for genes associated with stem-like cells while reducing exhaustion associated genes on CD⁸+ TIL. (A) Heatmap visualization of top 20 differentially expressed genes in CD8 T cell subset comparing control vs. Invigo-T groups. (B) CD8 T cell subset heatmap visualizations of specific genes of interest relating to stemness (left) exhaustion (middle) or metabolism (right) comparing control vs. Invigo-T groups. (C) CD8 T cell subset gene set heatmap visualization of stem or exhaustion gene signatures depicting the row z-score of the UCell score mean for each sample grouped by control vs. InvigoT.

FIG. 155A-155C: Invigo-T enriches for CD39-CD69−gene cluster associated with response. Violin plots of CD8 T cell subset UCell score for (A) CD39-CD69− and (B) CD39+CD69+ gene signatures from Krishna et al., Science 2020 Dec. 11; 370(6522):1328-1334 comparing control vs. Invigo-T. (C) Violin plots of CD8 T cell subset UCell score for other gene signatures of interest comparing control vs. Invigo-T.

FIG. 156 : Invigo-T treated CD8 TIL show increased expression of memory-associated genes. Violin plots of CD8 T cell subset normalized expression of specific genes of interest comparing control vs. Invigo-T.

FIG. 157A-157D: Pseudotime trajectory analysis shows the majority of Invigo-T treated CD8 TIL in a less differentiated state with a subset of more differentiated cells. Invigo-T shows improved phenotype when comparing clusters 3 vs. 2 on CD⁸+ TIL. (A) CD8 T cell UMAP dimensionality reduction visualizations colored based on group (left) and Monocle3 defined pseudotime (right). (B) Violin plot of CD8 T cell subset Monocle3 pseudotime comparing control vs. Invigo-T. (C) CD8 T cell UMAP dimensionality reduction visualizations colored based on group (left) and Seurat defined clusters (right) with two of the most differentiated clusters (2 and 3) highlighted via red box. (D) Heatmap visualization of top 20 differentially expressed genes in the highlighted clusters comparing control (cluster 2) with Invigo-T (cluster 3). Data are shown as the distribution of all values unless otherwise mentioned, n=5 per group, and p-values are based on Mann-Whitney U test.

FIG. 158 : Differential gene expression analysis on CD4 TIL. Heatmap visualization of top 20 differentially expressed genes in CD4 T cell subset comparing control vs. Invigo-T groups.

FIG. 159A-159B: Pseudotime trajectory analysis shows the majority of Invigo-T treated CD4 TIL in a less differentiated state compared to control TIL. (A) CD4 T cell UMAP dimensionality reduction visualizations colored based on group (left) and Monocle3 defined pseudotime (right). (B) Violin plot of CD4 T cell subset Monocle3 pseudotime comparing control vs. Invigo-T.

FIG. 160A-160B: Invigo-T treated CD4 TIL show increased expression of memory-associated genes and reduced expression of exhaustion related gene signatures compared to control treated TIL. (A) CD4 T cell subset gene set heatmap visualization of stem or exhaustion gene signatures depicting the row z-score of the UCell score mean for each sample grouped by control vs. Invigo-T. (B) Violin plots of CD4 T cell subset normalized expression of specific genes of interest comparing control vs. Invigo-T. Data are shown as the distribution of all values unless otherwise mentioned and n=5 per group.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEQUENCE LISTING

SEQ ID NO: 1 is the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain of muromonab.

SEQ ID NO:2 is the amino acid sequence of the light chain of muromonab.

SEQ ID NO:3 is the amino acid sequence of a recombinant human IL-2 protein.

SEQ ID NO:4 is the amino acid sequence of aldesleukin.

SEQ ID NO:5 is an IL-2 form.

SEQ ID NO:6 is the amino acid sequence of nemvaleukin alfa.

SEQ ID NO:7 is an IL-2 form.

SEQ ID NO:8 is a mucin domain polypeptide.

SEQ ID NO:9 is the amino acid sequence of a recombinant human IL-4 protein.

SEQ ID NO:10 is the amino acid sequence of a recombinant human IL-7 protein.

SEQ ID NO:11 is the amino acid sequence of a recombinant human IL-15 protein.

SEQ ID NO:12 is the amino acid sequence of a recombinant human IL-21 protein.

SEQ ID NO:13 is an IL-2 sequence.

SEQ ID NO:14 is an IL-2 mutein sequence.

SEQ ID NO:15 is an IL-2 mutein sequence.

SEQ ID NO: 16 is the HCDR1_IL-2 for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO: 17 is the HCDR2 for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO: 18 is the HCDR3 for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO: 19 is the HCDR1_IL-2 kabat for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:20 is the HCDR2 kabat for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:21 is the HCDR3 kabat for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:22 is the HCDR1_IL-2 clothia for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:23 is the HCDR2 clothia for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:24 is the HCDR3 clothia for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:25 is the HCDR1_IL-2 IMGT for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:26 is the HCDR2 IMGT for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:27 is the HCDR3 IMGT for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:28 is the V_(H) chain for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:29 is the heavy chain for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:30 is the LCDR1 kabat for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:31 is the LCDR2 kabat for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:32 is the LCDR3 kabat for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:33 is the LCDR1 chothia for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:34 is the LCDR2 chothia for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:35 is the LCDR3 chothia for IgG.IL2R67A.H1.

SEQ ID NO:36 is a V_(L) chain.

SEQ ID NO:37 is a light chain.

SEQ ID NO:38 is a light chain.

SEQ ID NO:39 is a light chain.

SEQ ID NO:40 is the amino acid sequence of human 4-1BB.

SEQ ID NO:41 is the amino acid sequence of murine 4-1BB.

SEQ ID NO:42 is the heavy chain for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody utomilumab (PF-05082566).

SEQ ID NO:43 is the light chain for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody utomilumab (PF-05082566).

SEQ ID NO:44 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody utomilumab (PF-05082566).

SEQ ID NO:45 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody utomilumab (PF-05082566).

SEQ ID NO:46 is the heavy chain CDR1 for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody utomilumab (PF-05082566).

SEQ ID NO:47 is the heavy chain CDR2 for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody utomilumab (PF-05082566).

SEQ ID NO:48 is the heavy chain CDR3 for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody utomilumab (PF-05082566).

SEQ ID NO:49 is the light chain CDR1 for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody utomilumab (PF-05082566).

SEQ ID NO:50 is the light chain CDR2 for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody utomilumab (PF-05082566).

SEQ ID NO:51 is the light chain CDR3 for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody utomilumab (PF-05082566).

SEQ ID NO:52 is the heavy chain for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody urelumab (BMS-663513).

SEQ ID NO:53 is the light chain for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody urelumab (BMS-663513).

SEQ ID NO:54 is the heavy chain variable region (VH) for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody urelumab (BMS-663513).

SEQ ID NO:55 is the light chain variable region (VL) for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody urelumab (BMS-663513).

SEQ ID NO:56 is the heavy chain CDR1 for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody urelumab (BMS-663513).

SEQ ID NO:57 is the heavy chain CDR2 for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody urelumab (BMS-663513).

SEQ ID NO:58 is the heavy chain CDR3 for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody urelumab (BMS-663513).

SEQ ID NO:59 is the light chain CDR1 for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody urelumab (BMS-663513).

SEQ ID NO:60 is the light chain CDR2 for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody urelumab (BMS-663513).

SEQ ID NO:61 is the light chain CDR3 for the 4-1BB agonist monoclonal antibody urelumab (BMS-663513).

SEQ ID NO:62 is an Fc domain for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:63 is a linker for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:64 is a linker for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:65 is a linker for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:66 is a linker for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:67 is a linker for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:68 is a linker for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:69 is a linker for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:70 is a linker for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:71 is a linker for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:72 is a linker for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:73 is an Fe domain for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:74 is a linker for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:75 is a linker for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:76 is a linker for a TNFRSF agonist fusion protein.

SEQ ID NO:77 is a 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) amino acid sequence.

SEQ ID NO:78 is a soluble portion of 4-1BBL polypeptide.

SEQ ID NO:79 is a heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for the 4-1BB agonist antibody 4B4-1-1 version 1.

SEQ ID NO:80 is a light chain variable region (V_(L)) for the 4-1BB agonist antibody 4B4-1-1 version 1.

SEQ ID NO:81 is a heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for the 4-1BB agonist antibody 4B4-1-1 version 2.

SEQ ID NO:82 is a light chain variable region (V_(L)) for the 4-1BB agonist antibody 4B4-1-1 version 2.

SEQ ID NO:83 is a heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for the 4-1BB agonist antibody H39E3-2.

SEQ ID NO:84 is a light chain variable region (V_(L)) for the 4-1BB agonist antibody H39E3-2.

SEQ ID NO:85 is the amino acid sequence of human OX40.

SEQ ID NO:86 is the amino acid sequence of murine OX40.

SEQ ID NO:87 is the heavy chain for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody tavolixizumab (MEDI-0562).

SEQ ID NO:88 is the light chain for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody tavolixizumab (MEDI-0562).

SEQ ID NO:89 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody tavolixizumab (MEDI-0562).

SEQ ID NO:90 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody tavolixizumab (MEDI-0562).

SEQ ID NO:91 is the heavy chain CDR1 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody tavolixizumab (MEDI-0562).

SEQ ID NO:92 is the heavy chain CDR2 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody tavolixizumab (MEDI-0562).

SEQ ID NO:93 is the heavy chain CDR3 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody tavolixizumab (MEDI-0562).

SEQ ID NO:94 is the light chain CDR1 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody tavolixizumab (MEDI-0562).

SEQ ID NO:95 is the light chain CDR2 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody tavolixizumab (MEDI-0562).

SEQ ID NO:96 is the light chain CDR3 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody tavolixizumab (MEDI-0562).

SEQ ID NO:97 is the heavy chain for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 11D4.

SEQ ID NO:98 is the light chain for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 11D4.

SEQ ID NO:99 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 11D4.

SEQ ID NO:100 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 11D4.

SEQ ID NO:101 is the heavy chain CDR1 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 11D4.

SEQ ID NO:102 is the heavy chain CDR2 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 11D4.

SEQ ID NO: 103 is the heavy chain CDR3 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 11D4.

SEQ ID NO:104 is the light chain CDR1 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 11D4.

SEQ ID NO: 105 is the light chain CDR2 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 11D4.

SEQ ID NO: 106 is the light chain CDR3 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 11D4.

SEQ ID NO: 107 is the heavy chain for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 18D8.

SEQ ID NO: 108 is the light chain for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 18D8.

SEQ ID NO: 10⁹ is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 18D8.

SEQ ID NO:110 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 18D8.

SEQ ID NO:111 is the heavy chain CDR1 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 18D8.

SEQ ID NO:112 is the heavy chain CDR2 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 18D8.

SEQ ID NO: 113 is the heavy chain CDR3 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 18D8.

SEQ ID NO:114 is the light chain CDR1 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 18D8.

SEQ ID NO:115 is the light chain CDR2 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 18D8.

SEQ ID NO: 116 is the light chain CDR3 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 18D8.

SEQ ID NO:117 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu119-122.

SEQ ID NO:118 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu119-122.

SEQ ID NO:119 is the heavy chain CDR1 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu119-122.

SEQ ID NO:120 is the heavy chain CDR2 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu119-122.

SEQ ID NO: 121 is the heavy chain CDR3 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu119-122.

SEQ ID NO: 122 is the light chain CDR1 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu119-122.

SEQ ID NO: 123 is the light chain CDR2 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu119-122.

SEQ ID NO: 124 is the light chain CDR3 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu119-122.

SEQ ID NO: 125 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu106-222.

SEQ ID NO:126 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu106-222.

SEQ ID NO:127 is the heavy chain CDR1 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu106-222.

SEQ ID NO:128 is the heavy chain CDR2 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu106-222.

SEQ ID NO:129 is the heavy chain CDR3 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu106-222.

SEQ ID NO:130 is the light chain CDR1 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu106-222.

SEQ ID NO:131 is the light chain CDR2 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu106-222.

SEQ ID NO:132 is the light chain CDR3 for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody Hu106-222.

SEQ ID NO: 133 is an OX40 ligand (OX40L) amino acid sequence.

SEQ ID NO:134 is a soluble portion of OX40L polypeptide.

SEQ ID NO:135 is an alternative soluble portion of OX40L polypeptide.

SEQ ID NO: 136 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 008.

SEQ ID NO:137 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 008.

SEQ ID NO:138 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 011.

SEQ ID NO:139 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 011.

SEQ ID NO:140 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 021.

SEQ ID NO:141 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 021.

SEQ ID NO:142 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 023.

SEQ ID NO:143 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for the OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody 023.

SEQ ID NO:144 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for an OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO:145 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for an OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO:146 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for an OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO:147 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for an OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO:148 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for a humanized OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO: 149 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for a humanized OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO:150 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for a humanized OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO:151 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for a humanized OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO:152 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for a humanized OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO:153 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for a humanized OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO:154 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for a humanized OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO:155 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for a humanized OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO:156 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) for an OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO:157 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) for an OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody.

SEQ ID NO: 158 is the heavy chain amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab.

SEQ ID NO:159 is the light chain amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab.

SEQ ID NO:160 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab.

SEQ ID NO:161 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab.

SEQ ID NO: 162 is the heavy chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab.

SEQ ID NO: 163 is the heavy chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab.

SEQ ID NO: 164 is the heavy chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab.

SEQ ID NO: 165 is the light chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab.

SEQ ID NO: 166 is the light chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab.

SEQ ID NO: 167 is the light chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab.

SEQ ID NO: 168 is the heavy chain amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab.

SEQ ID NO: 169 is the light chain amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab.

SEQ ID NO:170 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab.

SEQ ID NO:171 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab.

SEQ ID NO: 172 is the heavy chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab.

SEQ ID NO: 173 is the heavy chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab.

SEQ ID NO: 174 is the heavy chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab.

SEQ ID NO: 175 is the light chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab.

SEQ ID NO: 176 is the light chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab.

SEQ ID NO: 177 is the light chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab.

SEQ ID NO: 178 is the heavy chain amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab.

SEQ ID NO: 179 is the light chain amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab.

SEQ ID NO:180 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab.

SEQ ID NO:181 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab.

SEQ ID NO: 182 is the heavy chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab.

SEQ ID NO: 183 is the heavy chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab.

SEQ ID NO: 184 is the heavy chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab.

SEQ ID NO: 185 is the light chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab.

SEQ ID NO: 186 is the light chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab.

SEQ ID NO: 187 is the light chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab.

SEQ ID NO: 188 is the heavy chain amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab.

SEQ ID NO:189 is the light chain amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab.

SEQ ID NO:190 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab.

SEQ ID NO:191 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab.

SEQ ID NO: 192 is the heavy chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab.

SEQ ID NO: 193 is the heavy chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab.

SEQ ID NO: 194 is the heavy chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab.

SEQ ID NO: 195 is the light chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab.

SEQ ID NO: 196 is the light chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab.

SEQ ID NO: 197 is the light chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab.

SEQ ID NO: 198 is the heavy chain amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab.

SEQ ID NO:199 is the light chain amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab.

SEQ ID NO:200 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab.

SEQ ID NO:201 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab.

SEQ ID NO:202 is the heavy chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab.

SEQ ID NO:203 is the heavy chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab.

SEQ ID NO:204 is the heavy chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab.

SEQ ID NO:205 is the light chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab.

SEQ ID NO:206 is the light chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab.

SEQ ID NO:207 is the light chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab.

SEQ ID NO:208 is the heavy chain amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab.

SEQ ID NO:209 is the light chain amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab.

SEQ ID NO:210 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab.

SEQ ID NO:211 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab.

SEQ ID NO:212 is the heavy chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab.

SEQ ID NO:213 is the heavy chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab.

SEQ ID NO:214 is the heavy chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab.

SEQ ID NO:215 is the light chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab.

SEQ ID NO:216 is the light chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab.

SEQ ID NO:217 is the light chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab.

SEQ ID NO:218 is the heavy chain amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor tremelimumab.

SEQ ID NO:219 is the light chain amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor tremelimumab.

SEQ ID NO:220 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor tremelimumab.

SEQ ID NO:221 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor tremelimumab.

SEQ ID NO:222 is the heavy chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor tremelimumab.

SEQ ID NO:223 is the heavy chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor tremelimumab.

SEQ ID NO:224 is the heavy chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor tremelimumab.

SEQ ID NO:225 is the light chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor tremelimumab.

SEQ ID NO:226 is the light chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor tremelimumab.

SEQ ID NO:227 is the light chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor tremelimumab.

SEQ ID NO:228 is the heavy chain amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor zalifrelimab.

SEQ ID NO:229 is the light chain amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor zalifrelimab.

SEQ ID NO:230 is the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor zalifrelimab.

SEQ ID NO:231 is the light chain variable region (V_(L)) amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor zalifrelimab.

SEQ ID NO:232 is the heavy chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor zalifrelimab.

SEQ ID NO:233 is the heavy chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor zalifrelimab.

SEQ ID NO:234 is the heavy chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor zalifrelimab.

SEQ ID NO:235 is the light chain CDR1 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor zalifrelimab.

SEQ ID NO:236 is the light chain CDR2 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor zalifrelimab.

SEQ ID NO:237 is the light chain CDR3 amino acid sequence of the CTLA-4 inhibitor zalifrelimab.

SEQ ID NO:238 is the CD40 agonist CD40L.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Introduction

Provided herein are methods of producing TILs via (i) pre-REP stimulation with a combination of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and anti-PD-1, with or without CD40 agonism, and with or without CTLA-4 agonsim (ii) adding various cytokine combinations such as IL-15, IL-21, low-concentration IL-2, with or without AKT inhibition (AKTi), during REP expansion and/or pre-REP expansion, and/or (iii) low-concentration IL-2 and AKTi during REP expansion and/or pre-REP expansion. Also provided herein are methods of treatment using such TILs.

Definitions

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents and publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

The terms “co-administration,” “co-administering,” “administered in combination with,” “administering in combination with,” “simultaneous,” and “concurrent,” as used herein, encompass administration of two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (in some embodiments of the present invention, for example, a plurality of TILs) to a subject so that both active pharmaceutical ingredients and/or their metabolites are present in the subject at the same time. Co-administration includes simultaneous administration in separate compositions, administration at different times in separate compositions, or administration in a composition in which two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients are present. Simultaneous administration in separate compositions and administration in a composition in which both agents are present are preferred.

The term “in vivo” refers to an event that takes place in a subject's body.

The term “in vitro” refers to an event that takes places outside of a subject's body. In vitro assays encompass cell-based assays in which cells alive or dead are employed and may also encompass a cell-free assay in which no intact cells are employed.

The term “ex vivo” refers to an event which involves treating or performing a procedure on a cell, tissue and/or organ which has been removed from a subject's body. Aptly, the cell, tissue and/or organ may be returned to the subject's body in a method of surgery or treatment.

The term “rapid expansion” means an increase in the number of antigen-specific TILs of at least about 3-fold (or 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-fold) over a period of a week, more preferably at least about 10-fold (or 20-, 30-, 40-, 50-, 60-, 70-, 80-, or 90-fold) over a period of a week, or most preferably at least about 100-fold over a period of a week. A number of rapid expansion protocols are described herein.

By “tumor infiltrating lymphocytes” or “TILs” herein is meant a population of cells originally obtained as white blood cells that have left the bloodstream of a subject and migrated into a tumor. TILs include, but are not limited to, CD⁸+ cytotoxic T cells (lymphocytes), Th1 and Th17 CD⁴+ T cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells and M1 macrophages. TILs include both primary and secondary TILs. “Primary TILs” are those that are obtained from patient tissue samples as outlined herein (sometimes referred to as “freshly harvested”), and “secondary TILs” are any TIL cell populations that have been expanded or proliferated as discussed herein, including, but not limited to bulk TILs and expanded TILs (“REP TILs” or “post-REP TILs”). TIL cell populations can include genetically modified TILs.

TILs can generally be defined either biochemically, using cell surface markers, or functionally, by their ability to infiltrate tumors and effect treatment. TILs can be generally categorized by expressing one or more of the following biomarkers: CD4, CD8, TCR αβ, CD27, CD28, CD56, CCR7, CD45Ra, CD95, PD-1, and CD25. Additionally, and alternatively, TILs can be functionally defined by their ability to infiltrate solid tumors upon reintroduction into a patient. TILS may further be characterized by potency—for example, TILS may be considered potent if, for example, interferon (IFN) release is greater than about 50 μg/mL, greater than about 100 μg/mL, greater than about 150 μg/mL, or greater than about 200 μg/mL. TILs may be considered potent if, for example, interferon (IFNγ) release is greater than about 50 μg/mL, greater than about 100 μg/mL, greater than about 150 μg/mL, or greater than about 200 μg/mL, greater than about 300 μg/mL, greater than about 400 μg/mL, greater than about 500 μg/mL, greater than about 600 μg/mL, greater than about 700 μg/mL, greater than about 800 μg/mL, greater than about 900 μg/mL, greater than about 1000 μg/mL.

By “CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs” or “CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TIL population” or grammatical variants of either of the foregoing is meant TILs or a population of TILs that display undetectable, lower, or reduced levels of the cell surface proteins CD39 and CD69 on average compared to any TILs/population of TILs from which the referenced TILs or population of TILs is obtained.

By “CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TILs” or “CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TIL population” or grammatical variants of either of the foregoing is meant TILs or a population of TILs that has been enriched for TILs with undetectable, low, or reduced levels of the cell surface proteins CD39 and CD69 on average compared to any TILs/population of TILs from which the referenced TILs or population of TILs is obtained. Any means of enrichment can be used to obtain CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TILs, including sorting or selecting for CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs.

By “population of cells” (including TILs) herein is meant a number of cells that share common traits. In general, populations generally range from 1×10⁶ to 1×10¹⁰ in number, with different TIL populations comprising different numbers. For example, initial growth of primary TILs in the presence of IL-2 results in a population of bulk TILs of roughly 1×10⁸ cells. REP expansion is generally done to provide populations of 1.5×10⁹ to 1.5×10¹⁰ cells for infusion.

By “cryopreserved TILs” herein is meant that TILs, either primary, bulk, or expanded (REP TILs), are treated and stored in the range of about −150° C. to −60° C. General methods for cryopreservation are also described elsewhere herein, including in the Examples. For clarity, “cryopreserved TILs” are distinguishable from frozen tissue samples which may be used as a source of primary TILs.

By “thawed cryopreserved TILs” herein is meant a population of TILs that was previously cryopreserved and then treated to return to room temperature or higher, including but not limited to cell culture temperatures or temperatures wherein TILs may be administered to a patient.

TILs can generally be defined either biochemically, using cell surface markers, or functionally, by their ability to infiltrate tumors and effect treatment. TILs can be generally categorized by expressing one or more of the following biomarkers: CD4, CD8, TCR αβ, CD27, CD28, CD56, CCR7, CD45Ra, CD95, PD-1, and CD25. Additionally and alternatively, TILs can be functionally defined by their ability to infiltrate solid tumors upon reintroduction into a patient.

The term “cryopreservation media” or “cryopreservation medium” refers to any medium that can be used for cryopreservation of cells. Such media can include media comprising 7% to 10% DMSO. Exemplary media include CryoStor CS10, Hyperthermasol, as well as combinations thereof. The term “CS10” refers to a cryopreservation medium which is obtained from Stemcell Technologies or from Biolife Solutions. The CS10 medium may be referred to by the trade name “CryoStor® CS10”. The CS10 medium is a serum-free, animal component-free medium which comprises DMSO.

The term “central memory T cell” refers to a subset of T cells that in the human are CD45R0+ and constitutively express CCR7 (CCR7^(hi)) and CD62L (CD62^(hi)). The surface phenotype of central memory T cells also includes TCR, CD3, CD127 (IL-7R), and IL-15R. Transcription factors for central memory T cells include BCL-6, BCL-6B, MBD2, and BMI1. Central memory T cells primarily secret IL-2 and CD40L as effector molecules after TCR triggering. Central memory T cells are predominant in the CD4 compartment in blood, and in the human are proportionally enriched in lymph nodes and tonsils.

The term “effector memory T cell” refers to a subset of human or mammalian T cells that, like central memory T cells, are CD45R0+, but have lost the constitutive expression of CCR7 (CCR71°) and are heterogeneous or low for CD62L expression (CD62L^(lo)). The surface phenotype of central memory T cells also includes TCR, CD3, CD127 (IL-7R), and IL-15R. Transcription factors for central memory T cells include BLIMPI. Effector memory T cells rapidly secret high levels of inflammatory cytokines following antigenic stimulation, including interferon-y, IL-4, and IL-5. Effector memory T cells are predominant in the CD8 compartment in blood, and in the human are proportionally enriched in the lung, liver, and gut. CD⁸+ effector memory T cells carry large amounts of perform.

The term “closed system” refers to a system that is closed to the outside environment. Any closed system appropriate for cell culture methods can be employed with the methods of the present invention. Closed systems include, for example, but are not limited to, closed G-containers. Once a tumor segment is added to the closed system, the system is no opened to the outside environment until the TILs are ready to be administered to the patient.

The terms “fragmenting,” “fragment,” and “fragmented,” as used herein to describe processes for disrupting a tumor, includes mechanical fragmentation methods such as crushing, slicing, dividing, and morcellating tumor tissue as well as any other method for disrupting the physical structure of tumor tissue.

The terms “peripheral blood mononuclear cells” and “PBMCs” refers to a peripheral blood cell having a round nucleus, including lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, NK cells) and monocytes. When used as an antigen presenting cell (PBMCs are a type of antigen-presenting cell), the peripheral blood mononuclear cells are preferably irradiated allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

The terms “peripheral blood lymphocytes” and “PBLs” refer to T cells expanded from peripheral blood. In some embodiments, PBLs are separated from whole blood or apheresis product from a donor. In some embodiments, PBLs are separated from whole blood or apheresis product from a donor by positive or negative selection of a T cell phenotype, such as the T cell phenotype of CD3+CD45+.

The term “anti-CD3 antibody” refers to an antibody or variant thereof, e.g., a monoclonal antibody and including human, humanized, chimeric or murine antibodies which are directed against the CD3 receptor in the T cell antigen receptor of mature T cells. Anti-CD3 antibodies include OKT-3, also known as muromonab. Anti-CD3 antibodies also include the UHCT1 clone, also known as T3 and CD3R. Other anti-CD3 antibodies include, for example, otelixizumab, teplizumab, and visilizumab.

The term “OKT-3” (also referred to herein as “OKT3”) refers to a monoclonal antibody or biosimilar or variant thereof, including human, humanized, chimeric, or murine antibodies, directed against the CD3 receptor in the T cell antigen receptor of mature T cells, and includes commercially-available forms such as OKT-3 (30 ng/mL, MACS GMP CD3 pure, Miltenyi Biotech, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) and muromonab or variants, conservative amino acid substitutions, glycoforms, or biosimilars thereof. The amino acid sequences of the heavy and light chains of muromonab are given in Table 1 (SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:2). A hybridoma capable of producing OKT-3 is deposited with the American Type Culture Collection and assigned the ATCC accession number CRL 8001. A hybridoma capable of producing OKT-3 is also deposited with European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures (ECACC) and assigned Catalogue No. 86022706.

TABLE 1. Amino acid sequences of muromonab (exemplary OKT-3 antibody).

TABLE 1 Amino acid sequences of muromonab (exemplary OKT-3 antibody). Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 1 QVQLQQSGAE LARPGASVKM SCKASGYTFT RYTMHWVKQR PGQGLEWIGY INPSRGYTNY  60 muromonab heavy NQKFKDKATL TTDKSSSTAY MQLSSLTSED SAVYYCARYY DDHYCLDYWG QGTTLTVSSA 120 chain KTTAPSVYPL APVCGGTTGS SVTLGCLVKG YFPEPVTLTW NSGSLSSGVH TFPAVLQSDL 180 YTLSSSVTVT SSTWPSQSIT CNVAHPASST KVDKKIEPRP KSCDKTHTCP PCPAPELLGG 240 PSVFLFPPKP KDTLMISRTP EVTCVVVDVS HEDPEVKFNW YVDGVEVHNA KTKPREEQYN 300 STYRVVSVLT VLHQDWLNGK EYKCKVSNKA LPAPIEKTIS KAKGQPREPQ VYTLPPSRDE 360 LTKNQVSLTC LVKGFYPSDI AVEWESNGQP ENNYKTTPPV LDSDGSFFLY SKLTVDKSRW 420 QQGNVFSCSV MHEALHNHYT QKSLSLSPGK 450 SEQ ID NO: 2 QIVLTQSPAI MSASPGEKVT MTCSASSSVS YMNWYQQKSG TSPKRWIYDT SKLASGVPAH  60 muromonab light FRGSGSGTSY SLTISGMEAE DAATYYCQQW SSNPFTFGSG TKLEINRADT APTVSIFPPS 120 chain SEQLTSGGAS VVCFLNNFYP KDINVKWKID GSERQNGVLN SWTDQDSKDS TYSMSSTLTL 180 TKDEYERHNS YTCEATHKTS TSPIVKSFNR NEC 213

The term “IL-2” (also referred to herein as “IL2”) refers to the T cell growth factor known as interleukin-2, and includes all forms of IL-2 including human and mammalian forms, conservative amino acid substitutions, glycoforms, biosimilars, and variants thereof. IL-2 is described, e.g., in Nelson, J. Immunol. 2004, 172, 3983-88 and Malek, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 2008, 26, 453-79, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The amino acid sequence of recombinant human IL-2 suitable for use in the invention is given in Table 2 (SEQ ID NO:3). For example, the term IL-2 encompasses human, recombinant forms of IL-2 such as aldesleukin (PROLEUKIN, available commercially from multiple suppliers in 22 million IU per single use vials), as well as the form of recombinant IL-2 commercially supplied by CellGenix, Inc., Portsmouth, NH, USA (CELLGRO GMP) or ProSpec-Tany TechnoGene Ltd., East Brunswick, NJ, USA (Cat. No. CYT-209-b) and other commercial equivalents from other vendors. Aldesleukin (des-alanyl-1, serine-125 human IL-2) is a nonglycosylated human recombinant form of IL-2 with a molecular weight of approximately 15 kDa. The amino acid sequence of aldesleukin suitable for use in the invention is given in Table 2 (SEQ ID NO:4). The term IL-2 also encompasses pegylated forms of IL-2, as described herein, including the pegylated IL2 prodrug bempegaldesleukin (NKTR-214, pegylated human recombinant IL-2 as in SEQ ID NO:4 in which an average of 6 lysine residues are N⁶ substituted with [(2,7-bis{[methylpoly(oxyethylene)]carbamoyl}-9H-fluoren-9-yl)methoxy]carbonyl), which is available from Nektar Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA, USA, or which may be prepared by methods known in the art, such as the methods described in Example 19 of International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2018/132496 A1 or the method described in Example 1 of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2019/0275133 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Bempegaldesleukin (NKTR-214) and other pegylated IL-2 molecules suitable for use in the invention are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2014/0328791 A1 and International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2012/065086 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Alternative forms of conjugated IL-2 suitable for use in the invention are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,766,106, 5,206,344, 5,089,261 and 4,902,502, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Formulations of IL-2 suitable for use in the invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,706,289, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, an IL-2 form suitable for use in the present invention is THOR-707, available from Synthorx, Inc. The preparation and properties of THOR-707 and additional alternative forms of IL-2 suitable for use in the invention are described in U.S.

Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2020/0181220 A1 and US 2020/0330601 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, and IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention is an interleukin 2 (IL-2) conjugate comprising: an isolated and purified IL-2 polypeptide; and a conjugating moiety that binds to the isolated and purified IL-2 polypeptide at an amino acid position selected from K35, T37, R38, T41, F42, K43, F44, Y45, E61, E62, E68, K64, P65, V69, L72, and Y107, wherein the numbering of the amino acid residues corresponds to SEQ ID NO: 5. In some embodiments, the amino acid position is selected from T37, R38, T41, F42, F44, Y45, E61, E62, E68, K64, P65, V69, L72, and Y107. In some embodiments, the amino acid position is selected from T37, R38, T41, F42, F44, Y45, E61, E62, E68, P65, V69, L72, and Y107. In some embodiments, the amino acid position is selected from T37, T41, F42, F44, Y45, P65, V69, L72, and Y107. In some embodiments, the amino acid position is selected from R38 and K64. In some embodiments, the amino acid position is selected from E61, E62, and E68. In some embodiments, the amino acid position is at E62. In some embodiments, the amino acid residue selected from K35, T37, R38, T41, F42, K43, F44, Y45, E61, E62, E68, K64, P65, V69, L72, and Y107 is further mutated to lysine, cysteine, or histidine. In some embodiments, the amino acid residue is mutated to cysteine. In some embodiments, the amino acid residue is mutated to lysine. In some embodiments, the amino acid residue selected from K35, T37, R38, T41, F42, K43, F44, Y45, E61, E62, E68, K64, P65, V69, L72, and Y107 is further mutated to an unnatural amino acid. In some embodiments, the unnatural amino acid comprises N6-azidoethoxy-L-lysine (AzK), N6-propargylethoxy-L-lysine (PraK), BCN-L-lysine, norbornene lysine, TCO-lysine, methyltetrazine lysine, allyloxycarbonyllysine, 2-amino-8-oxononanoic acid, 2-amino-8-oxooctanoic acid, p-acetyl-L-phenylalanine, p-azidomethyl-L-phenylalanine (pAMF), p-iodo-L-phenylalanine, m-acetylphenylalanine, 2-amino-8-oxononanoic acid, p-propargyloxyphenylalanine, p-propargyl-phenylalanine, 3-methyl-phenylalanine, L-Dopa, fluorinated phenylalanine, isopropyl-L-phenylalanine, p-azido-L-phenylalanine, p-acyl-L-phenylalanine, p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine, p-bromophenylalanine, p-amino-L-phenylalanine, isopropyl-L-phenylalanine, 0-allyltyrosine, O-methyl-L-tyrosine, O-4-allyl-L-tyrosine, 4-propyl-L-tyrosine, phosphonotyrosine, tri-O-acetyl-GlcNAcp-serine, L-phosphoserine, phosphonoserine, L-3-(2-naphthyl)alanine, 2-amino-3-((2-((3-(benzyloxy)-3-oxopropyl)amino)ethyl)selanyl)propanoic acid, 2-amino-3-(phenylselanyl)propanoic, or selenocysteine. In some embodiments, the IL-2 conjugate has a decreased affinity to IL-2 receptor a (IL-2Ru) subunit relative to a wild-type IL-2 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the decreased affinity is about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or greater than 99% decrease in binding affinity to IL-2Ru relative to a wild-type IL-2 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the decreased affinity is about 1-fold, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, 10-fold, 30-fold, 50-fold, 100-fold, 200-fold, 300-fold, 500-fold, 1000-fold, or more relative to a wild-type IL-2 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the conjugating moiety impairs or blocks the binding of IL-2 with IL-2Ru. In some embodiments, the conjugating moiety comprises a water-soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the additional conjugating moiety comprises a water-soluble polymer. In some embodiments, each of the water-soluble polymers independently comprises polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), copolymers of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, poly(oxyethylated polyol), poly(olefinic alcohol), poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(hydroxyalkylmethacrylamide), poly(hydroxyalkylmethacrylate), poly(saccharides), poly(u-hydroxy acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), polyphosphazene, polyoxazolines (POZ), poly(N-acryloylmorpholine), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, each of the water-soluble polymers independently comprises PEG. In some embodiments, the PEG is a linear PEG or a branched PEG. In some embodiments, each of the water-soluble polymers independently comprises a polysaccharide. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide comprises dextran, polysialic acid (PSA), hyaluronic acid (HA), amylose, heparin, heparan sulfate (HS), dextrin, or hydroxyethyl-starch (HES). In some embodiments, each of the water-soluble polymers independently comprises a glycan. In some embodiments, each of the water-soluble polymers independently comprises polyamine. In some embodiments, the conjugating moiety comprises a protein. In some embodiments, the additional conjugating moiety comprises a protein. In some embodiments, each of the proteins independently comprises an albumin, a transferrin, or a transthyretin. In some embodiments, each of the proteins independently comprises an Fc portion. In some embodiments, each of the proteins independently comprises an Fc portion of IgG. In some embodiments, the conjugating moiety comprises a polypeptide. In some embodiments, the additional conjugating moiety comprises a polypeptide. In some embodiments, each of the polypeptides independently comprises a XTEN peptide, a glycine-rich homoamino acid polymer (HAP), a PAS polypeptide, an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP), a CTP peptide, or a gelatin-like protein (GLK) polymer. In some embodiments, the isolated and purified IL-2 polypeptide is modified by glutamylation. In some embodiments, the conjugating moiety is directly bound to the isolated and purified IL-2 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the conjugating moiety is indirectly bound to the isolated and purified IL-2 polypeptide through a linker. In some embodiments, the linker comprises a homobifunctional linker. In some embodiments, the homobifunctional linker comprises Lomant's reagent dithiobis (succinimidylpropionate) DSP, 3′3′-dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidyl proprionate) (DTSSP), disuccinimidyl suberate (DSS), bis(sulfosuccinimidyl)suberate (BS), disuccinimidyl tartrate (DST), disulfosuccinimidyl tartrate (sulfo DST), ethylene glycobis(succinimidylsuccinate) (EGS), disuccinimidyl glutarate (DSG), N,N′-disuccinimidyl carbonate (DSC), dimethyl adipimidate (DMA), dimethyl pimelimidate (DMP), dimethyl suberimidate (DMS), dimethyl-3,3′-dithiobispropionimidate (DTBP), 1,4-di-(3′-(2′-pyridyldithio)propionamido)butane (DPDPB), bismaleimidohexane (BMH), aryl halide-containing compound (DFDNB), such as e.g. 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene or 1,3-difluoro-4,6-dinitrobenzene, 4,4′-difluoro-3,3′-dinitrophenylsulfone (DFDNPS), bis-[D-(4-azidosalicylamido)ethyl]disulfide (BASED), formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether, adipic acid dihydrazide, carbohydrazide, o-toluidine, 3,3′-dimethylbenzidine, benzidine, α,α′-p-diaminodiphenyl, diiodo-p-xylene sulfonic acid, N,N′-ethylene-bis(iodoacetamide), or N,N′-hexamethylene-bis(iodoacetamide). In some embodiments, the linker comprises a heterobifunctional linker. In some embodiments, the heterobifunctional linker comprises N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate (sPDP), long-chain N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate (LC-sPDP), water-soluble-long-chain N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (sulfo-LC-sPDP), succinimidyloxycarbonyl-α-methyl-α-(2-pyridyldithio)toluene (sMPT), sulfosuccinimidyl-6-[a-methyl-α-(2-pyridyldithio)toluamido]hexanoate (sulfo-LC-sMPT), succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (sMCC), sulfosuccinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (sulfo-sMCC), m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (MBs), m-maleimidobenzoyl-N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide ester (sulfo-MBs), N-succinimidyl(4-iodoacteyl)aminobenzoate (sIAB), sulfosuccinimidyl(4-iodoacteyl)aminobenzoate (sulfo-sIAB), succinimidyl-4-(p-maleimidophenyl)butyrate (sMPB), sulfosuccinimidyl-4-(p-maleimidophenyl)butyrate (sulfo-sMPB), N-(γ-maleimidobutyryloxy)succinimide ester (GMBs), N-(γ-maleimidobutyryloxy)sulfosuccinimide ester (sulfo-GMBs), succinimidyl 6-((iodoacetyl)amino)hexanoate (sIAX), succinimidyl 6-[6-(((iodoacetyl)amino)hexanoyl)amino]hexanoate (s1AXX), succinimidyl 4-(((iodoacetyl)amino)methyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (sIAC), succinimidyl 6-(((((4-iodoacetyl)amino)methyl)cyclohexane-1-carbonyl)amino) hexanoate (sIACX), p-nitrophenyl iodoacetate (NPIA), carbonyl-reactive and sulfhydryl-reactive cross-linkers such as 4-(4-N-maleimidophenyl)butyric acid hydrazide (MPBH), 4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxyl-hydrazide-8 (M2C2H), 3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionyl hydrazide (PDPH), N-hydroxysuccinimidyl-4-azidosalicylic acid (NHs-AsA), N-hydroxysulfosuccinimidyl-4-azidosalicylic acid (sulfo-NHs-AsA), sulfosuccinimidyl-(4-azidosalicylamido)hexanoate (sulfo-NHs-LC-AsA), sulfosuccinimidyl-2-(p-azidosalicylamido)ethyl-1,3′-dithiopropionate (sAsD), N-hydroxysuccinimidyl-4-azidobenzoate (HsAB), N-hydroxysulfosuccinimidyl-4-azidobenzoate (sulfo-HsAB), N-succinimidyl-6-(4′-azido-2′-nitrophenyl amino)hexanoate (sANPAH), sulfosuccinimidyl-6-(4′-azido-2′-nitrophenylamino)hexanoate (sulfo-sANPAH), N-5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyloxysuccinimide (ANB-NOs), sulfosuccinimidyl-2-(m-azido-o-nitrobenzamido)-ethyl-1,3′-dithiopropionate (sAND), N-succinimidyl-4(4-azidophenyl)1,3′-dithiopropionate (sADP), N-sulfosuccinimidyl(4-azidophenyl)-1,3′-dithiopropionate (sulfo-sADP), sulfosuccinimidyl 4-(p-azidophenyl)butyrate (sulfo-sAPB), sulfosuccinimidyl 2-(7-azido-4-methylcoumarin-3-acetamide)ethyl-1,3′-dithiopropionate (sAED), sulfosuccinimidyl 7-azido-4-methylcoumain-3-acetate (sulfo-sAMCA), p-nitrophenyl diazopyruvate (pNPDP), p-nitrophenyl-2-diazo-3,3,3-trifluoropropionate (PNP-DTP), 1-(p-azidosalicylamido)-4-(iodoacetamido)butane (AsIB), N-[4-(p-azidosalicylamido)butyl]-3′-(2′-pyridyldithio)propionamide (APDP), benzophenone-4-iodoacetamide, p-azidobenzoyl hydrazide (ABH), 4-(p-azidosalicylamido)butylamine (AsBA), or p-azidophenyl glyoxal (APG). In some embodiments, the linker comprises a cleavable linker, optionally comprising a dipeptide linker. In some embodiments, the dipeptide linker comprises Val-Cit, Phe-Lys, Val-Ala, or Val-Lys. In some embodiments, the linker comprises a non-cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the linker comprises a maleimide group, optionally comprising maleimidocaproyl (mc), succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (sMCC), or sulfosuccinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (sulfo-sMCC). In some embodiments, the linker further comprises a spacer. In some embodiments, the spacer comprises p-aminobenzyl alcohol (PAB), p-aminobenzyoxycarbonyl (PABC), a derivative, or an analog thereof. In some embodiments, the conjugating moiety is capable of extending the serum half-life of the IL-2 conjugate. In some embodiments, the additional conjugating moiety is capable of extending the serum half-life of the IL-2 conjugate. In some embodiments, the IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention is a fragment of any of the IL-2 forms described herein. In some embodiments, the IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention is pegylated as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2020/0181220 A1 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2020/0330601 A1. In some embodiments, the IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention is an IL-2 conjugate comprising: an IL-2 polypeptide comprising an N6-azidoethoxy-L-lysine (AzK) covalently attached to a conjugating moiety comprising a polyethylene glycol (PEG), wherein: the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5; and the AzK substitutes for an amino acid at position K35, F42, F44, K43, E62, P65, R38, T41, E68, Y45, V69, or L72 in reference to the amino acid positions within SEQ ID NO: 5. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an N-terminal deletion of one residue relative to SEQ ID NO: 5. In some embodiments, the IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention lacks IL-2R alpha chain engagement but retains normal binding to the intermediate affinity IL-2R beta-gamma signaling complex.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention is an IL-2 conjugate comprising: an IL-2 polypeptide comprising an N6-azidoethoxy-L-lysine (AzK) covalently attached to a conjugating moiety comprising a polyethylene glycol (PEG), wherein: the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:5; and the AzK substitutes for an amino acid at position K35, F42, F44, K43, E62, P65, R38, T41, E68, Y45, V69, or L72 in reference to the amino acid positions within SEQ ID NO:5. In some embodiments, the IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention is an IL-2 conjugate comprising: an IL-2 polypeptide comprising an N6-azidoethoxy-L-lysine (AzK) covalently attached to a conjugating moiety comprising a polyethylene glycol (PEG), wherein: the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:5; and the AzK substitutes for an amino acid at position K35, F42, F44, K43, E62, P65, R38, T41, E68, Y45, V69, or L72 in reference to the amino acid positions within SEQ ID NO:5. In some embodiments, the IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention is an IL-2 conjugate comprising: an IL-2 polypeptide comprising an N6-azidoethoxy-L-lysine (AzK) covalently attached to a conjugating moiety comprising a polyethylene glycol (PEG), wherein: the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:5; and the AzK substitutes for an amino acid at position K35, F42, F44, K43, E62, P65, R38, T41, E68, Y45, V69, or L72 in reference to the amino acid positions within SEQ ID NO:5.

In some embodiments, an IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention is nemvaleukin alfa, also known as ALKS-4230 (SEQ ID NO:6), which is available from Alkermes, Inc. Nemvaleukin alfa is also known as human interleukin 2 fragment (1-59), variant (Cys¹²⁵>Ser⁵¹), fused via peptidyl linker (⁶⁰GG⁶¹) to human interleukin 2 fragment (62-132), fused via peptidyl linker (¹³³GSGGGS¹³⁸) to human interleukin 2 receptor u-chain fragment (139-303), produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, glycosylated; human interleukin 2 (IL-2) (75-133)-peptide [Cysi¹²(51)>Ser]-mutant (1-59), fused via a G2 peptide linker (60-61) to human interleukin 2 (IL-2) (4-74)-peptide (62-132) and via a GSG3S peptide linker (133-138) to human interleukin 2 receptor u-chain (IL2R subunit alpha, IL2Ra, IL2RA) (1-165)-peptide (139-303), produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, glycoform alfa. The amino acid sequence of nemvaleukin alfa is given in SEQ ID NO:6. In some embodiments, nemvaleukin alfa exhibits the following post-translational modifications: disulfide bridges at positions: 31-116, 141-285, 184-242, 269-301, 166-197 or 166-199, 168-199 or 168-197 (using the numbering in SEQ ID NO:6), and glycosylation sites at positions: N187, N206, T212 using the numbering in SEQ ID NO:6. The preparation and properties of nemvaleukin alfa, as well as additional alternative forms of IL-2 suitable for use in the invention, is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2021/0038684 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 10,183,979, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, an IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention is a protein having at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:6. In some embodiments, an IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention has the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO:6 or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, an IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention is a fusion protein comprising amino acids 24-452 of SEQ ID NO: 7, or variants, fragments, or derivatives thereof. In some embodiments, an IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention is a fusion protein comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 90% sequence identity to amino acids 24-452 of SEQ ID NO: 7, or variants, fragments, or derivatives thereof. Other IL-2 forms suitable for use in the present invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,183,979, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Optionally, in some embodiments, an IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention is a fusion protein comprising a first fusion partner that is linked to a second fusion partner by a mucin domain polypeptide linker, wherein the first fusion partner is IL-1Ra or a protein having at least 98% amino acid sequence identity to IL-1Ra and having the receptor antagonist activity of IL-Ra, and wherein the second fusion partner comprises all or a portion of an immunoglobulin comprising an Fc region, wherein the mucin domain polypeptide linker comprises SEQ ID NO: 8 or an amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 8 and wherein the half-life of the fusion protein is improved as compared to a fusion of the first fusion partner to the second fusion partner in the absence of the mucin domain polypeptide linker.

TABLE 2 Amino acid sequences of interleukins. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 3 MAPTSSSTKK TQLQLEHLLL DLQMILNGIN NYKNPKLTRM LTFKFYMPKK ATELKHLQCL 60 recombinant EEELKPLEEV LNLAQSKNFH LRPRDLISNI NVIVLELKGS ETTFMCEYAD ETATIVEFLN 120 human IL-2 RWITFCQSII STLT 134 (rhIL-2) SEQ ID NO: 4 PTSSSTKKTQ LQLEHLLLDL QMILNGINNY KNPKLTRMLT FKFYMPKKAT ELKHLQCLEE 60 Aldesleukin ELKPLEEVLN LAQSKNFHLR PRDLISNINV IVLELKGSET TFMCEYADET ATIVEFLNRW 120 ITFSQSIIST LT 132 SEQ ID NO: 5 APTSSSTKKT QLQLEHLLLD LQMILNGINN YKNPKLTRML TFKFYMPKKA TELKHLQCLE 60 IL-2 form EELKPLEEVL NLAQSKNFHL RPRDLISNIN VIVLELKGSE TTFMCEYADE TATIVEFLNR 120 WITFCQSIIS TLT  133 SEQ ID NO: 6 SKNFHLRPRD LISNINVIVL ELKGSETTFM CEYADETATI VEFLNRWITF SQSIISTLTG 60 Nemvaleukin  GSSSTKKTQL QLEHLLLDLQ MILNGINNYK NPKLTRMLTF KFYMPKKATE LKHLQCLEEE 120 alfa LKPLEEVLNL AQGSGGGSEL CDDDPPEIPH ATFKAMAYKE GTMLNCECKR GFRRIKSGSL 180 YMLCTGNSSH SSWDNQCQCT SSATRNTTKQ VTPQPEEQKE RKTTEMQSPM QPVDQASLPG 240 HCREPPPWEN EATERIYHFV VGQMVYYQCV QGYRALHRGP AESVCKMTHG KTRWTQPQLI 300 CTG 303 SEQ ID NO: 7 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SARRPSGRKS SKMQAFRIWD VNQKTFYLRN NQLVAGYLQG 60 IL-2 form PNVNLEEKID VVPIEPHALF LGIHGGKMCL SCVKSGDETR LQLEAVNITD LSENRKQDKR 120 FAFIRSDSGP TTSFESAACP GWFLCTAMEA DQPVSLTNMP DEGVMVTKFY FQEDESGSGG 180 ASSESSASSD GPHPVITESR ASSESSASSD GPHPVITESR EPKSSDKTHT CPPCPAPELL 240 GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD VSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ 300 YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPSR 360 EEMTKNQVSL TCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTP PVLDSDGSFF LYSKLTVDKS 420 RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP GK 452 SEQ ID NO: 8 SESSASSDGP HPVITP 16 mucin domain polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 9 MHKCDITLQE IIKTINSLTE QKTLCTELTV TDIFAASKNT TEKETFCRAA TVLRQFYSHH 60 recombinant EKDTRCLGAT AQQFHRHKQL IRFLKRLDRN LWGLAGLNSC PVKEANQSTL ENFLERLKTI 120 human IL-4 MREKYSKCSS 130 (rhIL-4) SEQ ID NO: 10 MDCDIEGKDG KQYESVLMVS IDQLLDSMKE IGSNCLNNEF NFFKRHICDA NKEGMFLFRA 60 recombinant ARKLRQFLKM NSTGDFDLHL LKVSEGTTIL LNCTGQVKGR KPAALGEAQP TKSLEENKSL 120 human IL-7 KEQKKLNDLC FLKRLLQEIK TCWNKILMGT KEH 153 (rhIL-7) SEQ ID NO: 11 MNWVNVISDL KKIEDLIQSM HIDATLYTES DVHPSCKVTA MKCFLLELQV ISLESGDASI 60 recombinant HDTVENLIIL ANNSLSSNGN VTESGCKECE ELEEKNIKEF LQSFVHIVQM FINTS 115 human IL-15 (rhIL-15) SEQ ID NO: 12 MQDRHMIRMR QLIDIVDQLK NYVNDLVPEF LPAPEDVETN CEWSAFSCFQ KAQLKSANTG 60 recombinant NNERIINVSI KKLKRKPPST NAGRRQKHRL TCPSCDSYEK KPPKEFLERF KSLLQKMIHQ 120 human IL-21 HLSSRTHGSE DS 132 (rhIL-21)

In some embodiments, an IL-2 form suitable for use in the invention includes a antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a heavy chain variable region (V_(H)), comprising complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2, HCDR3; a light chain variable region (V_(L)), comprising LCDR1, LCDR2, LCDR3; and an IL-2 molecule or a fragment thereof engrafted into a CDR of the V_(H) or the V_(L), wherein the antibody cytokine engrafted protein preferentially expands T effector cells over regulatory T cells. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a heavy chain variable region (V_(H)), comprising complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2, HCDR3; a light chain variable region (V_(L)), comprising LCDR1, LCDR2, LCDR3; and an IL-2 molecule or a fragment thereof engrafted into a CDR of the V_(H) or the V_(L), wherein the IL-2 molecule is a mutein, and wherein the antibody cytokine engrafted protein preferentially expands T effector cells over regulatory T cells. In some embodiments, the IL-2 regimen comprises administration of an antibody described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2020/0270334 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a heavy chain variable region (V_(H)), comprising complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2, HCDR3; a light chain variable region (V_(L)), comprising LCDR1, LCDR2, LCDR3; and an IL-2 molecule or a fragment thereof engrafted into a CDR of the V_(H) or the V_(L), wherein the IL-2 molecule is a mutein, wherein the antibody cytokine engrafted protein preferentially expands T effector cells over regulatory T cells, and wherein the antibody further comprises an IgG class heavy chain and an IgG class light chain selected from the group consisting of a IgG class light chain comprising SEQ ID NO:39 and a IgG class heavy chain comprising SEQ ID NO:38; a IgG class light chain comprising SEQ ID NO:37 and a IgG class heavy chain comprising SEQ ID NO:29; a IgG class light chain comprising SEQ ID NO:39 and a IgG class heavy chain comprising SEQ ID NO:29; and a IgG class light chain comprising SEQ ID NO:37 and a IgG class heavy chain comprising SEQ ID NO:38.

In some embodiments, an IL-2 molecule or a fragment thereof is engrafted into HCDR1 of the V_(H), wherein the IL-2 molecule is a mutein. In some embodiments, an IL-2 molecule or a fragment thereof is engrafted into HCDR2 of the V_(H), wherein the IL-2 molecule is a mutein. In some embodiments, an IL-2 molecule or a fragment thereof is engrafted into HCDR3 of the V_(H), wherein the IL-2 molecule is a mutein. In some embodiments, an IL-2 molecule or a fragment thereof is engrafted into LCDR1 of the V_(L), wherein the IL-2 molecule is a mutein. In some embodiments, an IL-2 molecule or a fragment thereof is engrafted into LCDR2 of the V_(L), wherein the IL-2 molecule is a mutein. In some embodiments, an IL-2 molecule or a fragment thereof is engrafted into LCDR3 of the V_(L), wherein the IL-2 molecule is a mutein.

The insertion of the IL-2 molecule can be at or near the N-terminal region of the CDR, in the middle region of the CDR or at or near the C-terminal region of the CDR. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises an IL-2 molecule incorporated into a CDR, wherein the IL2 sequence does not frameshift the CDR sequence. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises an IL-2 molecule incorporated into a CDR, wherein the IL-2 sequence replaces all or part of a CDR sequence. The replacement by the IL-2 molecule can be the N-terminal region of the CDR, in the middle region of the CDR or at or near the C-terminal region the CDR. A replacement by the IL-2 molecule can be as few as one or two amino acids of a CDR sequence, or the entire CDR sequences.

In some embodiments, an IL-2 molecule is engrafted directly into a CDR without a peptide linker, with no additional amino acids between the CDR sequence and the IL-2 sequence. In some embodiments, an IL-2 molecule is engrafted indirectly into a CDR with a peptide linker, with one or more additional amino acids between the CDR sequence and the IL-2 sequence.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 molecule described herein is an IL-2 mutein. In some instances, the IL-2 mutein comprising an R67A substitution. In some embodiments, the IL-2 mutein comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:14 or SEQ ID NO:15. In some embodiments, the IL-2 mutein comprises an amino acid sequence in Table 1 in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2020/0270334 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises an HCDR1 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:22 and SEQ ID NO:25. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises an HCDR1 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:13 and SEQ ID NO:16. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises an HCDR1 selected from the group consisting of HCDR2 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:23, and SEQ ID NO:26. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises an HCDR3 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:24, and SEQ ID NO:27. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a V_(H) region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:28. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:29. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a V_(L) region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:36. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:37. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a V_(H) region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:28 and a V_(L) region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:36. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a heavy chain region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:29 and a light chain region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:37. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a heavy chain region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:29 and a light chain region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:39. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a heavy chain region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:38 and a light chain region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:37. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a heavy chain region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:38 and a light chain region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:39. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises IgG.IL2F71A.H1 or IgG.IL2R67A.H1 of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0270334 A1, or variants, derivatives, or fragments thereof, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, or proteins with at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98% sequence identity thereto. In some embodiments, the antibody components of the antibody cytokine engrafted protein described herein comprise immunoglobulin sequences, framework sequences, or CDR sequences of palivizumab. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein described herein has a longer serum half-life that a wild-type IL-2 molecule such as, but not limited to, aldesleukin or a comparable molecule. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein described herein has a sequence as set forth in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Sequences of exemplary palivizumab antibody-IL-2 engrafted proteins Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 13 MYRMQLLSCI ALSLALVINS APTSSSTKKT QLQLEHLLLD LQMILNGINN YKNPKLTRML 60 IL-2 TFKFYMPKKA TELKHLQCLE EELKPLEEVL NLAQSKNFHL RPRDLISNIN VIVLELKGSE 120 TTFMCEYADE TATIVEFLNR WITFCQSIIS TLT  153 SEQ ID NO: 14 APTSSSTKKT QLQLEHLLLD LQMILNGINN YKNPKLTAML TFKFYMPKKA TELKHLQCLE 60 IL-2 mutein EELKPLEEVL NLAQSKNFHL RPRDLISNIN VIVLELKGSE TTFMCEYADE TATIVEFLNR 120 WITFCQSIIS TLT  133 SEQ ID NO: 15 APTSSSTKKT QLQLEHLLLD LQMILNGINN YKNPKLTRML TAKFYMPKKA TELKHLQCLE 60 IL-2 mutein EELKPLEEVL NLAQSKNFHL RPRDLISNIN VIVLELKGSE TTFMCEYADE TATIVEFLNR 120 WITFCQSIIS TLT  133 SEQ ID NO: 16 GFSLAPTSSS TKKTQLQLEH LLLDLQMILN GINNYKNPKL TAMLTFKFYM PKKATELKHL 60 HCDR1 IL-2 QCLEEELKPL EEVLNLAQSK NFHLRPRDLI SNINVIVLEL KGSETTFMCE YADETATIVE 120 FLNRWITFCQ SIISTLTSTS GMSVG 145 SEQ ID NO: 17 DIWWDDKKDY NPSLKS  16 HCDR2 SEQ ID NO: 18 SMITNWYFDV  10 HCDR3 SEQ ID NO: 19 APTSSSTKKT QLQLEHLLLD LQMILNGINN YKNPKLTAML TFKFYMPKKA TELKHLQCLE 60 HCDR1 IL-2 EELKPLEEVL NLAQSKNFHL RPRDLISNIN VIVLELKGSE TTFMCEYADE TATIVEFLNR 120 kabat WITFCQSIIS TLTSTSGMSV G 141 SEQ ID NO: 20 DIWWDDKKDY NPSLKS  16 HCDR2 kabat SEQ ID NO: 21 SMITNWYFDV  10 HCDR3 kabat SEQ ID NO: 22 GFSLAPTSSS TKKTQLQLEH LLLDLQMILN GINNYKNPKL TAMLTFKFYM PKKATELKHL 60 HCDR1 IL-2 QCLEEELKPL EEVLNLAQSK NFHLRPRDLI SNINVIVLEL KGSETTFMCE YADETATIVE 120 clothia FLNRWITFCQ SIISTLTSTS GM 142 SEQ ID NO: 23 WWDDK 5 HCDR2 clothia SEQ ID NO: 24 SMITNWYFDV  10 HCDR3 clothia SEQ ID NO: 25 GFSLAPTSSS TKKTQLQLEH LLLDLQMILN GINNYKNPKL TAMLTFKFYM PKKATELKHL 60 HCDR1 IL-2 QCLEEELKPL EEVLNLAQSK NFHLRPRDLI SNINVIVLEL KGSETTFMCE YADETATIVE 120 IMGT FLNRWITFCQ SIISTLTSTS GMS 143 SEQ ID NO: 26 IWWDDKK 7 HCDR2 IMGT SEQ ID NO: 27 ARSMITNWYF DV  12 HCDR3 IMGT SEQ ID NO: 28 QVTLRESGPA LVKPTQTLTL TCTFSGFSLA PTSSSTKKTQ LQLEHLLLDL QMILNGINNY 60 VH KNPKLTAMLT FKFYMPKKAT ELKHLQCLEE ELKPLEEVLN LAQSKNFHLR PRDLISNINV 120 IVLELKGSET TFMCEYADET ATIVEFLNRW ITFCQSIIST LTSTSGMSVG WIRQPPGKAL 180 EWLADIWWDD KKDYNPSLKS RLTISKDTSK NQVVLKVTNM DPADTATYYC ARSMITNWYF 240 DVWGAGTTVT VSS  253 SEQ ID NO: 29 QMILNGINNY KNPKLTAMLT FKFYMPKKAT ELKHLQCLEE ELKPLEEVLN LAQSKNFHLR 60 Heavy chain PRDLISNINV IVLELKGSET TFMCEYADET ATIVEFLNRW ITFCQSIIST LTSTSGMSVG 120 WIRQPPGKAL EWLADIWWDD KKDYNPSLKS RLTISKDTSK NQVVLKVTNM DPADTATYYC 180 ARSMITNWYF DVWGAGTTVT VSSASTKGPS VFPLAPSSKS TSGGTAALGC LVKDYFPEPV 240 TVSWNSGALT SGVHTFPAVL QSSGLYSLSS VVTVPSSSLG TQTYICNVNH KPSNTKVDKR 300 VEPKSCDKTH TCPPCPAPEL LGGPSVFLFP PKPKDTLMIS RTPEVTCVVV AVSHEDPEVK 360 FNWYVDGVEV HNAKTKPREE QYNSTYRVVS VLTVLHQDWL NGKEYKCKVS NKALAAPIEK 420 TISKAKGQPR EPQVYTLPPS REEMTKNQVS LTCLVKGFYP SDIAVEWESN GQPENNYKTT 480 PPVLDSDGSF FLYSKLTVDK SRWQQGNVFS CSVMHEALHN HYTQKSLSLS PGK 533 SEQ ID NO: 30 KAQLSVGYMH  10 LCDR1 kabat SEQ ID NO: 31 DTSKLAS 7 LCDR2 kabat SEQ ID NO: 32 FQGSGYPFT  9 LCDR3 kabat SEQ ID NO: 33 QLSVGY 6 LCDR1 chothia SEQ ID NO: 34 DTS 3 LCDR2 chothia SEQ ID NO: 35 GSGYPF 6 LCDR3 chothia SEQ ID NO: 36 DIQMTQSPST LSASVGDRVT ITCKAQLSVG YMHWYQQKPG KAPKLLIYDT SKLASGVPSR 60 VL FSGSGSGTEF TLTISSLQPD DFATYYCFQG SGYPFTFGGG TKLEIK  106 SEQ ID NO: 37 DIQMTQSPST LSASVGDRVT ITCKAQLSVG YMHWYQQKPG KAPKLLIYDT SKLASGVPSR 60 Light chain FSGSGSGTEF TLTISSLQPD DFATYYCFQG SGYPFTFGGG TKLEIKRTVA APSVFIFPPS 120 DEQLKSGTAS VVCLLNNFYP REAKVQWKVD NALQSGNSQE SVTEQDSKDS TYSLSSTLTL 180 SKADYEKHKV YACEVTHQGL SSPVTKSENR GEC 213 SEQ ID NO: 38 QVTLRESGPA LVKPTQTLTL TCTFSGFSLA PTSSSTKKTQ LQLEHLLLDL QMILNGINNY 60 Light chain KNPKLTRMLT AKFYMPKKAT ELKHLQCLEE ELKPLEEVLN LAQSKNFHLR PRDLISNINV 120 IVLELKGSET TFMCEYADET ATIVEFLNRW ITFCQSIIST LTSTSGMSVG WIRQPPGKAL 180 EWLADIWWDD KKDYNPSLKS RLTISKDTSK NQVVLKVTNM DPADTATYYC ARSMITNWYF 240 DVWGAGTTVT VSSASTKGPS VFPLAPSSKS TSGGTAALGC LVKDYFPEPV TVSWNSGALT 300 SGVHTFPAVL QSSGLYSLSS VVTVPSSSLG TQTYICNVNH KPSNTKVDKR VEPKSCDKTH 360 TCPPCPAPEL LGGPSVFLFP PKPKDTLMIS RTPEVTCVVV AVSHEDPEVK FNWYVDGVEV 420 HNAKTKPREE QYNSTYRVVS VLTVLHQDWL NGKEYKCKVS NKALAAPIEK TISKAKGQPR 480 EPQVYTLPPS REEMTKNQVS LTCLVKGFYP SDIAVEWESN GQPENNYKTT PPVLDSDGSF 540 FLYSKLTVDK SRWQQGNVFS CSVMHEALHN HYTQKSLSLS PGK 583 SEQ ID NO: 39 DIQMTQSPST LSASVGDRVT ITCKAQLSVG YMHWYQQKPG KAPKLLIYDT SKLASGVPSR 60 Light chain FSGSGSGTEF TLTISSLQPD DFATYYCFQG SGYPFTFGGG TKLEIKRTVA APSVFIFPPS 120 DEQLKSGTAS VVCLLNNFYP REAKVQWKVD NALQSGNSQE SVTEQDSKDS TYSLSSTLTL 180 SKADYEKHKV YACEVTHQGL SSPVTKSENR GEC 213

The term “IL-4” (also referred to herein as “IL4”) refers to the cytokine known as interleukin 4, which is produced by Th2 T cells and by eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells. IL-4 regulates the differentiation of naive helper T cells (Th0 cells) to Th2 T cells. Steinke and Borish, Respir. Res. 2001, 2, 66-70. Upon activation by IL-4, Th2 T cells subsequently produce additional IL-4 in a positive feedback loop. IL-4 also stimulates B cell proliferation and class II MHC expression, and induces class switching to IgE and IgG₁ expression from B cells. Recombinant human IL-4 suitable for use in the invention is commercially available from multiple suppliers, including ProSpec-Tany TechnoGene Ltd., East Brunswick, NJ, USA (Cat. No. CYT-211) and ThermoFisher Scientific, Inc., Waltham, MA, USA (human IL-15 recombinant protein, Cat. No. Gibco CTP0043). The amino acid sequence of recombinant human IL-4 suitable for use in the invention is given in Table 2 (SEQ ID NO:9).

The term “IL-7” (also referred to herein as “IL7”) refers to a glycosylated tissue-derived cytokine known as interleukin 7, which may be obtained from stromal and epithelial cells, as well as from dendritic cells. Fry and Mackall, Blood 2002, 99, 3892-904. IL-7 can stimulate the development of T cells. IL-7 binds to the IL-7 receptor, a heterodimer consisting of IL-7 receptor alpha and common gamma chain receptor, which in a series of signals important for T cell development within the thymus and survival within the periphery. Recombinant human IL-7 suitable for use in the invention is commercially available from multiple suppliers, including ProSpec-Tany TechnoGene Ltd., East Brunswick, NJ, USA (Cat. No. CYT-254) and ThermoFisher Scientific, Inc., Waltham, MA, USA (human IL-15 recombinant protein, Cat. No. Gibco PHC0071). The amino acid sequence of recombinant human IL-7 suitable for use in the invention is given in Table 2 (SEQ ID NO:10).

The term “IL-15” (also referred to herein as “IL15”) refers to the T cell growth factor known as interleukin-15, and includes all forms of IL-2 including human and mammalian forms, conservative amino acid substitutions, glycoforms, biosimilars, and variants thereof. IL-15 is described, e.g., in Fehniger and Caligiuri, Blood 2001, 97, 14-32, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. IL-15 shares β and γ signaling receptor subunits with IL-2. Recombinant human IL-15 is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 114 amino acids (and an N-terminal methionine) with a molecular mass of 12.8 kDa. Recombinant human IL-15 is commercially available from multiple suppliers, including ProSpec-Tany TechnoGene Ltd., East Brunswick, NJ, USA (Cat. No. CYT-230-b) and ThermoFisher Scientific, Inc., Waltham, MA, USA (human IL-15 recombinant protein, Cat. No. 34-8159-82). The amino acid sequence of recombinant human IL-15 suitable for use in the invention is given in Table 2 (SEQ ID NO:11).

The term “IL-21” (also referred to herein as “IL21”) refers to the pleiotropic cytokine protein known as interleukin-21, and includes all forms of IL-21 including human and mammalian forms, conservative amino acid substitutions, glycoforms, biosimilars, and variants thereof. IL-21 is described, e.g., in Spolski and Leonard, Nat. Rev. Drug. Disc. 2014, 13, 379-95, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. IL-21 is primarily produced by natural killer T cells and activated human CD⁴+ T cells. Recombinant human IL-21 is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 132 amino acids with a molecular mass of 15.4 kDa. Recombinant human IL-21 is commercially available from multiple suppliers, including ProSpec-Tany TechnoGene Ltd., East Brunswick, NJ, USA (Cat. No. CYT-408-b) and ThermoFisher Scientific, Inc., Waltham, MA, USA (human IL-21 recombinant protein, Cat. No. 14-8219-80). The amino acid sequence of recombinant human IL-21 suitable for use in the invention is given in Table 2 (SEQ ID NO:21).

When “an anti-tumor effective amount”, “a tumor-inhibiting effective amount”, or “therapeutic amount” is indicated, the precise amount of the compositions of the present invention to be administered can be determined by a physician with consideration of individual differences in age, weight, tumor size, extent of infection or metastasis, and condition of the patient (subject). It can generally be stated that a pharmaceutical composition comprising the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (e.g. secondary TILs or genetically modified cytotoxic lymphocytes) described herein may be administered at a dosage of 10⁴ to 10¹¹ cells/kg body weight (e.g., 10⁵ to 10⁶, 10⁵ to 10¹⁰, 10⁵ to 10¹¹, 10⁶ to 10¹⁰, 10⁶ to 10¹¹,10⁷ to 10¹¹, 10⁷ to 10¹⁰, 10¹ to 10¹¹, 10¹¹ to 10¹⁰, 10⁹ to 10¹¹, or 10⁹ to 10¹⁰ cells/kg body weight), including all integer values within those ranges. TILs (including in some cases, genetically modified cytotoxic lymphocytes) compositions may also be administered multiple times at these dosages. The tumor TILs (inlcuding, in some cases, genetically engineered TILs) can be administered by using infusion techniques that are commonly known in immunotherapy (see, e.g., Rosenberg et al., New Eng. J of Med. 1988, 319, 1676). The optimal dosage and treatment regime for a particular patient can readily be determined by one skilled in the art of medicine by monitoring the patient for signs of disease and adjusting the treatment accordingly.

The term “hematological malignancy”, “hematologic malignancy” or terms of correlative meaning refer to mammalian cancers and tumors of the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, including but not limited to tissues of the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and lymphatic system. Hematological malignancies are also referred to as “liquid tumors.” Hematological malignancies include, but are not limited to, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), multiple myeloma, acute monocytic leukemia (AMoL), Hodgkin's lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The term “B cell hematological malignancy” refers to hematological malignancies that affect B cells.

The term “liquid tumor” refers to an abnormal mass of cells that is fluid in nature. Liquid tumor cancers include, but are not limited to, leukemias, myelomas, and lymphomas, as well as other hematological malignancies. TILs obtained from liquid tumors may also be referred to herein as marrow infiltrating lymphocytes (MILs). TILs obtained from liquid tumors, including liquid tumors circulating in peripheral blood, may also be referred to herein as PBLs. The terms MIL, TIL, and PBL are used interchangeably herein and differ only based on the tissue type from which the cells are derived.

The term “microenvironment,” as used herein, may refer to the solid or hematological tumor microenvironment as a whole or to an individual subset of cells within the microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment, as used herein, refers to a complex mixture of “cells, soluble factors, signaling molecules, extracellular matrices, and mechanical cues that promote neoplastic transformation, support tumor growth and invasion, protect the tumor from host immunity, foster therapeutic resistance, and provide niches for dominant metastases to thrive,” as described in Swartz, et al., Cancer Res., 2012, 72, 2473. Although tumors express antigens that should be recognized by T cells, tumor clearance by the immune system is rare because of immune suppression by the microenvironment.

In some embodiments, the invention includes a method of treating a cancer with a population of TILs, wherein a patient is pre-treated with non-myeloablative chemotherapy prior to an infusion of TILs according to the invention. In some embodiments, the population of TILs may be provided wherein a patient is pre-treated with nonmyeloablative chemotherapy prior to an infusion of TILs according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative chemotherapy is cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg/d for 2 days (days 27 and 26 prior to TIL infusion) and fludarabine 25 mg/m2/d for 5 days (days 27 to 23 prior to TIL infusion). In some embodiments, after non-myeloablative chemotherapy and TIL infusion (at day 0) according to the invention, the patient receives an intravenous infusion of IL-2 intravenously at 720,000 IU/kg every 8 hours to physiologic tolerance.

Experimental findings indicate that lymphodepletion prior to adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T lymphocytes plays a key role in enhancing treatment efficacy by eliminating regulatory T cells and competing elements of the immune system (“cytokine sinks”). Accordingly, some embodiments of the invention utilize a lymphodepletion step (sometimes also referred to as “immunosuppressive conditioning”) on the patient prior to the introduction of the TILs of the invention.

The term “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” refers to that amount of a compound or combination of compounds as described herein that is sufficient to effect the intended application including, but not limited to, disease treatment. A therapeutically effective amount may vary depending upon the intended application (in vitro or in vivo), or the subject and disease condition being treated (e.g., the weight, age and gender of the subject), the severity of the disease condition, or the manner of administration.

The term also applies to a dose that will induce a particular response in target cells (e.g., the reduction of platelet adhesion and/or cell migration). The specific dose will vary depending on the particular compounds chosen, the dosing regimen to be followed, whether the compound is administered in combination with other compounds, timing of administration, the tissue to which it is administered, and the physical delivery system in which the compound is carried.

The terms “treatment”, “treating”, “treat”, and the like, refer to obtaining a desired pharmacologic and/or physiologic effect. The effect may be prophylactic in terms of completely or partially preventing a disease or symptom thereof and/or may be therapeutic in terms of a partial or complete cure for a disease and/or adverse effect attributable to the disease. “Treatment”, as used herein, covers any treatment of a disease in a mammal, particularly in a human, and includes: (a) preventing the disease from occurring in a subject which may be predisposed to the disease but has not yet been diagnosed as having it; (b) inhibiting the disease, i.e., arresting its development or progression; and (c) relieving the disease, i.e., causing regression of the disease and/or relieving one or more disease symptoms. “Treatment” is also meant to encompass delivery of an agent in order to provide for a pharmacologic effect, even in the absence of a disease or condition. For example, “treatment” encompasses delivery of a composition that can elicit an immune response or confer immunity in the absence of a disease condition, e.g., in the case of a vaccine.

The term “heterologous” when used with reference to portions of a nucleic acid or protein indicates that the nucleic acid or protein comprises two or more subsequences that are not found in the same relationship to each other in nature. For instance, the nucleic acid is typically recombinantly produced, having two or more sequences from unrelated genes arranged to make a new functional nucleic acid, e.g., a promoter from one source and a coding region from another source, or coding regions from different sources. Similarly, a heterologous protein indicates that the protein comprises two or more subsequences that are not found in the same relationship to each other in nature (e.g., a fusion protein).

The terms “sequence identity,” “percent identity,” and “sequence percent identity” (or synonyms thereof, e.g., “99% identical”) in the context of two or more nucleic acids or polypeptides, refer to two or more sequences or subsequences that are the same or have a specified percentage of nucleotides or amino acid residues that are the same, when compared and aligned (introducing gaps, if necessary) for maximum correspondence, not considering any conservative amino acid substitutions as part of the sequence identity. The percent identity can be measured using sequence comparison software or algorithms or by visual inspection. Various algorithms and software known in the art that can be used to obtain alignments of amino acid or nucleotide sequences. Suitable programs to determine percent sequence identity include for example the BLAST suite of programs available from the U.S. Government's National Center for Biotechnology Information BLAST web site. Comparisons between two sequences can be carried using either the BLASTN or BLASTP algorithm. BLASTN is used to compare nucleic acid sequences, while BLASTP is used to compare amino acid sequences. ALIGN, ALIGN-2 (Genentech, South San Francisco, California) or MegAlign, available from DNASTAR, are additional publicly available software programs that can be used to align sequences. One skilled in the art can determine appropriate parameters for maximal alignment by particular alignment software. In certain embodiments, the default parameters of the alignment software used.

As used herein, the term “variant” encompasses but is not limited to antibodies or fusion proteins which comprise an amino acid sequence which differs from the amino acid sequence of a reference antibody by way of one or more substitutions, deletions and/or additions at certain positions within or adjacent to the amino acid sequence of the reference antibody. The variant may comprise one or more conservative substitutions in its amino acid sequence as compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference antibody. Conservative substitutions may involve, e.g., the substitution of similarly charged or uncharged amino acids. The variant retains the ability to specifically bind to the antigen of the reference antibody. The term variant also includes pegylated antibodies or proteins.

By “tumor infiltrating lymphocytes” or “TILs” herein is meant a population of cells originally obtained as white blood cells that have left the bloodstream of a subject and migrated into a tumor. TILs include, but are not limited to, CD⁸+ cytotoxic T cells (lymphocytes), Th1 and Th17 CD⁴+ T cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells and M1 macrophages. TILs include both primary and secondary TILs. “Primary TILs” are those that are obtained from patient tissue samples as outlined herein (sometimes referred to as “freshly harvested”), and “secondary TILs” are any TIL cell populations that have been expanded or proliferated as discussed herein, including, but not limited to bulk TILs, expanded TILs (“REP TILs”) as well as “reREP TILs” as discussed herein. reREP TILs can include for example second expansion TILs or second additional expansion TILs (such as, for example, those described in Step D of FIG. 8 , including TILs referred to as reREP TILs). TILs can generally be defined either biochemically, using cell surface markers, or functionally, by their ability to infiltrate tumors and effect treatment. TILs can be generally categorized by expressing one or more of the following biomarkers: CD4, CD8, TCR αβ, CD27, CD28, CD56, CCR7, CD45Ra, CD95, PD-1, and CD25. Additionally, and alternatively, TILs can be functionally defined by their ability to infiltrate solid tumors upon reintroduction into a patient. TILs may further be characterized by potency—for example, TILs may be considered potent if, for example, interferon (IFN) release is greater than about 50 μg/mL, greater than about 100 μg/mL, greater than about 150 μg/mL, or greater than about 200 μg/mL. TILs may be considered potent if, for example, interferon (IFNγ) release is greater than about 50 μg/mL, greater than about 100 μg/mL, greater than about 150 μg/mL, or greater than about 200 μg/mL, greater than about 300 μg/mL, greater than about 400 μg/mL, greater than about 500 μg/mL, greater than about 600 μg/mL, greater than about 700 μg/mL, greater than about 800 μg/mL, greater than about 900 μg/mL, greater than about 1000 μg/mL.

The term “deoxyribonucleotide” encompasses natural and synthetic, unmodified and modified deoxyribonucleotides. Modifications include changes to the sugar moiety, to the base moiety and/or to the linkages between deoxyribonucleotide in the oligonucleotide.

The term “RNA” defines a molecule comprising at least one ribonucleotide residue. The term “ribonucleotide” defines a nucleotide with a hydroxyl group at the 2′ position of a b-D-ribofuranose moiety. The term RNA includes double-stranded RNA, single-stranded RNA, isolated RNA such as partially purified RNA, essentially pure RNA, synthetic RNA, recombinantly produced RNA, as well as altered RNA that differs from naturally occurring RNA by the addition, deletion, substitution and/or alteration of one or more nucleotides. Nucleotides of the RNA molecules described herein may also comprise non-standard nucleotides, such as non-naturally occurring nucleotides or chemically synthesized nucleotides or deoxynucleotides. These altered RNAs can be referred to as analogs or analogs of naturally-occurring RNA.

The terms “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” or “pharmaceutically acceptable excipient” are intended to include any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and inert ingredients. The use of such pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or pharmaceutically acceptable excipients for active pharmaceutical ingredients is well known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is incompatible with the active pharmaceutical ingredient, its use in therapeutic compositions of the invention is contemplated. Additional active pharmaceutical ingredients, such as other drugs, can also be incorporated into the described compositions and methods.

The terms “about” and “approximately” mean within a statistically meaningful range of a value. Such a range can be within an order of magnitude, preferably within 50%, more preferably within 20%, more preferably still within 10%, and even more preferably within 5% of a given value or range. The allowable variation encompassed by the terms “about” or “approximately” depends on the particular system under study, and can be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, as used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” mean that dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, a dimension, size, formulation, parameter, shape or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is noted that embodiments of very different sizes, shapes and dimensions may employ the described arrangements.

The transitional terms “comprising,” “consisting essentially of,” and “consisting of,” when used in the appended claims, in original and amended form, define the claim scope with respect to what unrecited additional claim elements or steps, if any, are excluded from the scope of the claim(s). The term “comprising” is intended to be inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude any additional, unrecited element, method, step or material. The term “consisting of” excludes any element, step or material other than those specified in the claim and, in the latter instance, impurities ordinarily associated with the specified material(s). The term “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified elements, steps or material(s) and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. All compositions, methods, and kits described herein that embody the present invention can, in alternate embodiments, be more specifically defined by any of the transitional terms “comprising,” “consisting essentially of,” and “consisting of”

The terms “antibody” and its plural form “antibodies” refer to whole immunoglobulins and any antigen-binding fragment (“antigen-binding portion”) or single chains thereof. An “antibody” further refers to a glycoprotein comprising at least two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains inter-connected by disulfide bonds, or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Each heavy chain is comprised of a heavy chain variable region (abbreviated herein as V_(H)) and a heavy chain constant region. The heavy chain constant region is comprised of three domains, CH1, CH2 and CH3. Each light chain is comprised of a light chain variable region (abbreviated herein as V_(L)) and a light chain constant region. The light chain constant region is comprised of one domain, CL. The V_(H) and V_(L) regions of an antibody may be further subdivided into regions of hypervariability, which are referred to as complementarity determining regions (CDR) or hypervariable regions (HVR), and which can be interspersed with regions that are more conserved, termed framework regions (FR). Each V_(H) and V_(L) is composed of three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus to carboxy-terminus in the following order: FRI, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, FR4. The variable regions of the heavy and light chains contain a binding domain that interacts with an antigen epitope or epitopes. The constant regions of the antibodies may mediate the binding of the immunoglobulin to host tissues or factors, including various cells of the immune system (e.g., effector cells) and the first component (Clq) of the classical complement system.

The term “antigen” refers to a substance that induces an immune response. In some embodiments, an antigen is a molecule capable of being bound by an antibody or a TCR if presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. The term “antigen”, as used herein, also encompasses T cell epitopes. An antigen is additionally capable of being recognized by the immune system. In some embodiments, an antigen is capable of inducing a humoral immune response or a cellular immune response leading to the activation of B lymphocytes and/or T lymphocytes. In some cases, this may require that the antigen contains or is linked to a Th cell epitope. An antigen can also have one or more epitopes (e.g., B- and T-epitopes). In some embodiments, an antigen will preferably react, typically in a highly specific and selective manner, with its corresponding antibody or TCR and not with the multitude of other antibodies or TCRs which may be induced by other antigens.

The terms “monoclonal antibody,” “mAb,” “monoclonal antibody composition,” or their plural forms refer to a preparation of antibody molecules of single molecular composition. A monoclonal antibody composition displays a single binding specificity and affinity for a particular epitope. Monoclonal antibodies specific to certain receptors can be made using knowledge and skill in the art of injecting test subjects with suitable antigen and then isolating hybridomas expressing antibodies having the desired sequence or functional characteristics. DNA encoding the monoclonal antibodies is readily isolated and sequenced using conventional procedures (e.g., by using oligonucleotide probes that are capable of binding specifically to genes encoding the heavy and light chains of the monoclonal antibodies). The hybridoma cells serve as a preferred source of such DNA. Once isolated, the DNA may be placed into expression vectors, which are then transfected into host cells such as E. coli cells, simian COS cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, or myeloma cells that do not otherwise produce immunoglobulin protein, to obtain the synthesis of monoclonal antibodies in the recombinant host cells. Recombinant production of antibodies will be described in more detail below.

The terms “antigen-binding portion” or “antigen-binding fragment” of an antibody (or simply “antibody portion” or “fragment”), as used herein, refers to one or more fragments of an antibody that retain the ability to specifically bind to an antigen. It has been shown that the antigen-binding function of an antibody can be performed by fragments of a full-length antibody. Examples of binding fragments encompassed within the term “antigen-binding portion” of an antibody include (i) a Fab fragment, a monovalent fragment consisting of the V_(L), V_(H), CL and CH1 domains; (ii) a F(ab′)2 fragment, a bivalent fragment comprising two Fab fragments linked by a disulfide bridge at the hinge region; (iii) a Fd fragment consisting of the V_(H) and CH1 domains; (iv) a Fv fragment consisting of the V_(L) and V_(H) domains of a single arm of an antibody, (v) a domain antibody (dAb) fragment (Ward, et al., Nature, 1989, 341, 544-546), which may consist of a V_(H) or a V_(L) domain; and (vi) an isolated complementarity determining region (CDR). Furthermore, although the two domains of the Fv fragment, V_(L) and V_(H), are coded for by separate genes, they can be joined, using recombinant methods, by a synthetic linker that enables them to be made as a single protein chain in which the V_(L) and V_(H) regions pair to form monovalent molecules known as single chain Fv (scFv); see, e.g., Bird, et al., Science 1988, 242, 423-426; and Huston, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1988, 85, 5879-5883). Such scFv antibodies are also intended to be encompassed within the terms “antigen-binding portion” or “antigen-binding fragment” of an antibody. These antibody fragments are obtained using conventional techniques known to those with skill in the art, and the fragments are screened for utility in the same manner as are intact antibodies. In some embodiments, a scFv protein domain comprises a V_(H) portion and a V_(L) portion. A scFv molecule is denoted as either V_(L)-L-V_(H) if the V_(L) domain is the N-terminal part of the scFv molecule, or as V_(H)-L-V_(L) if the V_(H) domain is the N-terminal part of the scFv molecule. Methods for making scFv molecules and designing suitable peptide linkers are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,704,692, 4,946,778, R. Raag and M. Whitlow, “Single Chain Fvs.” FASEB Vol 9:73-80 (1995) and R. E. Bird and B. W. Walker, Single Chain Antibody Variable Regions, TIBTECH, Vol 9: 132-137 (1991), the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The term “human antibody,” as used herein, is intended to include antibodies having variable regions in which both the framework and CDR regions are derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences. Furthermore, if the antibody contains a constant region, the constant region also is derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences. The human antibodies of the invention may include amino acid residues not encoded by human germline immunoglobulin sequences (e.g., mutations introduced by random or site-specific mutagenesis in vitro or by somatic mutation in vivo). The term “human antibody”, as used herein, is not intended to include antibodies in which CDR sequences derived from the germline of another mammalian species, such as a mouse, have been grafted onto human framework sequences.

The term “human monoclonal antibody” refers to antibodies displaying a single binding specificity which have variable regions in which both the framework and CDR regions are derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences. In some embodiments, the human monoclonal antibodies are produced by a hybridoma which includes a B cell obtained from a transgenic nonhuman animal, e.g., a transgenic mouse, having a genome comprising a human heavy chain transgene and a light chain transgene fused to an immortalized cell.

The term “recombinant human antibody”, as used herein, includes all human antibodies that are prepared, expressed, created or isolated by recombinant means, such as (a) antibodies isolated from an animal (such as a mouse) that is transgenic or transchromosomal for human immunoglobulin genes or a hybridoma prepared therefrom (described further below), (b) antibodies isolated from a host cell transformed to express the human antibody, e.g., from a transfectoma, (c) antibodies isolated from a recombinant, combinatorial human antibody library, and (d) antibodies prepared, expressed, created or isolated by any other means that involve splicing of human immunoglobulin gene sequences to other DNA sequences. Such recombinant human antibodies have variable regions in which the framework and CDR regions are derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences. In certain embodiments, however, such recombinant human antibodies can be subjected to in vitro mutagenesis (or, when an animal transgenic for human Ig sequences is used, in vivo somatic mutagenesis) and thus the amino acid sequences of the V_(H) and V_(L) regions of the recombinant antibodies are sequences that, while derived from and related to human germline V_(H) and V_(L) sequences, may not naturally exist within the human antibody germline repertoire in vivo.

As used herein, “isotype” refers to the antibody class (e.g., IgM or IgG1) that is encoded by the heavy chain constant region genes.

The phrases “an antibody recognizing an antigen” and “an antibody specific for an antigen” are used interchangeably herein with the term “an antibody which binds specifically to an antigen.”

The term “human antibody derivatives” refers to any modified form of the human antibody, including a conjugate of the antibody and another active pharmaceutical ingredient or antibody. The terms “conjugate,” “antibody-drug conjugate”, “ADC,” or “immunoconjugate” refers to an antibody, or a fragment thereof, conjugated to another therapeutic moiety, which can be conjugated to antibodies described herein using methods available in the art.

The terms “humanized antibody,” “humanized antibodies,” and “humanized” are intended to refer to antibodies in which CDR sequences derived from the germline of another mammalian species, such as a mouse, have been grafted onto human framework sequences. Additional framework region modifications may be made within the human framework sequences. Humanized forms of non-human (for example, murine) antibodies are chimeric antibodies that contain minimal sequence derived from non-human immunoglobulin. For the most part, humanized antibodies are human immunoglobulins (recipient antibody) in which residues from a hypervariable region of the recipient are replaced by residues from a 15 hypervariable region of a non-human species (donor antibody) such as mouse, rat, rabbit or nonhuman primate having the desired specificity, affinity, and capacity. In some instances, Fv framework region (FR) residues of the human immunoglobulin are replaced by corresponding non-human residues. Furthermore, humanized antibodies may comprise residues that are not found in the recipient antibody or in the donor antibody. These modifications are made to further refine antibody performance. In general, the humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the hypervariable loops correspond to those of a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FR regions are those of a human immunoglobulin sequence. The humanized antibody optionally also will comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically that of a human immunoglobulin. For further details, see Jones, et al., Nature 1986, 321, 522-525; Riechmann, et al., Nature 1988, 332, 323-329; and Presta, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol. 1992, 2, 593-596. The antibodies described herein may also be modified to employ any Fc variant which is known to impart an improvement (e.g., reduction) in effector function and/or FcR binding. The Fc variants may include, for example, any one of the amino acid substitutions disclosed in International Patent Application Publication Nos. WO 1988/07089 A1, WO 1996/14339 A1, WO 1998/05787 A1, WO 1998/23289 A1, WO 1000/51642 A1, WO 99/58572 A1, WO 2000/09560 A2, WO 2000/32767 A1, WO 2000/42072 A2, WO 2002/44215 A2, WO 2002/060919 A2, WO 2003/074569 A2, WO 2004/016750 A2, WO 2004/029207 A2, WO 2004/035752 A2, WO 2004/063351 A2, WO 2004/074455 A2, WO 2004/099249 A2, WO 2005/040217 A2, WO 2005/070963 A1, WO 2005/077981 A2, WO 2005/092925 A2, WO 2005/123780 A2, WO 2006/019447 A1, WO 2006/047350 A2, and WO 2006/085967 A2; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,648,260; 5,739,277; 5,834,250; 5,869,046; 6,096,871; 6,121,022; 6,194,551; 6,242,195; 6,277,375; 6,528,624; 6,538,124; 6,737,056; 6,821,505; 6,998,253; and 7,083,784; the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The term “chimeric antibody” is intended to refer to antibodies in which the variable region sequences are derived from one species and the constant region sequences are derived from another species, such as an antibody in which the variable region sequences are derived from a mouse antibody and the constant region sequences are derived from a human antibody.

A “diabody” is a small antibody fragment with two antigen-binding sites. The fragments comprises a heavy chain variable domain (V_(H)) connected to a light chain variable domain (V_(L)) in the same polypeptide chain (V_(H)-V_(L) or V_(L)-V_(H)). By using a linker that is too short to allow pairing between the two domains on the same chain, the domains are forced to pair with the complementary domains of another chain and create two antigen-binding sites. Diabodies are described more fully in, e.g., European Patent No. EP 404,097, International Patent Publication No. WO 93/11161; and Bolliger, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1993, 90, 6444-6448.

The term “glycosylation” refers to a modified derivative of an antibody. An aglycoslated antibody lacks glycosylation. Glycosylation can be altered to, for example, increase the affinity of the antibody for antigen. Such carbohydrate modifications can be accomplished by, for example, altering one or more sites of glycosylation within the antibody sequence. For example, one or more amino acid substitutions can be made that result in elimination of one or more variable region framework glycosylation sites to thereby eliminate glycosylation at that site. Aglycosylation may increase the affinity of the antibody for antigen, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,714,350 and 6,350,861. Additionally or alternatively, an antibody can be made that has an altered type of glycosylation, such as a hypofucosylated antibody having reduced amounts of fucosyl residues or an antibody having increased bisecting GlcNac structures. Such altered glycosylation patterns have been demonstrated to increase the ability of antibodies. Such carbohydrate modifications can be accomplished by, for example, expressing the antibody in a host cell with altered glycosylation machinery. Cells with altered glycosylation machinery have been described in the art and can be used as host cells in which to express recombinant antibodies of the invention to thereby produce an antibody with altered glycosylation. For example, the cell lines Ms704, Ms705, and Ms709 lack the fucosyltransferase gene, FUT8 (alpha (1,6) fucosyltransferase), such that antibodies expressed in the Ms704, Ms705, and Ms709 cell lines lack fucose on their carbohydrates. The Ms704, Ms705, and Ms709 FUT8−/− cell lines were created by the targeted disruption of the FUT8 gene in CHO/DG44 cells using two replacement vectors (see e.g. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0110704 or Yamane-Ohnuki, et al., Biotechnol. Bioeng., 2004, 87, 614-622). As another example, European Patent No. EP 1,176,195 describes a cell line with a functionally disrupted FUT8 gene, which encodes a fucosyl transferase, such that antibodies expressed in such a cell line exhibit hypofucosylation by reducing or eliminating the alpha 1,6 bond-related enzyme, and also describes cell lines which have a low enzyme activity for adding fucose to the N-acetylglucosamine that binds to the Fc region of the antibody or does not have the enzyme activity, for example the rat myeloma cell line YB2/0 (ATCC CRL 1662). International Patent Publication WO 03/035835 describes a variant CHO cell line, Lec 13 cells, with reduced ability to attach fucose to Asn(297)-linked carbohydrates, also resulting in hypofucosylation of antibodies expressed in that host cell (see also Shields, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 2002, 277, 26733-26740. International Patent Publication WO 99/54342 describes cell lines engineered to express glycoprotein-modifying glycosyl transferases (e.g., beta(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnTIII)) such that antibodies expressed in the engineered cell lines exhibit increased bisecting GlcNac structures which results in increased ADCC activity of the antibodies (see also Umana, et al., Nat. Biotech. 1000, 17, 176-180). Alternatively, the fucose residues of the antibody may be cleaved off using a fucosidase enzyme. For example, the fucosidase alpha-L-fucosidase removes fucosyl residues from antibodies as described in Tarentino, et al., Biochem. 1975, 14, 5516-5523.

“Pegylation” refers to a modified antibody, or a fragment thereof, that typically is reacted with polyethylene glycol (PEG), such as a reactive ester or aldehyde derivative of PEG, under conditions in which one or more PEG groups become attached to the antibody or antibody fragment. Pegylation may, for example, increase the biological (e.g., serum) half life of the antibody. Preferably, the pegylation is carried out via an acylation reaction or an alkylation reaction with a reactive PEG molecule (or an analogous reactive water-soluble polymer). As used herein, the term “polyethylene glycol” is intended to encompass any of the forms of PEG that have been used to derivatize other proteins, such as mono (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy- or aryloxy-polyethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol-maleimide. The antibody to be pegylated may be an aglycosylated antibody. Methods for pegylation are known in the art and can be applied to the antibodies of the invention, as described for example in European Patent Nos. EP 0154316 and EP 0401384 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,778, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The term “biosimilar” means a biological product, including a monoclonal antibody or protein, that is highly similar to a U.S. licensed reference biological product notwithstanding minor differences in clinically inactive components, and for which there are no clinically meaningful differences between the biological product and the reference product in terms of the safety, purity, and potency of the product. Furthermore, a similar biological or “biosimilar” medicine is a biological medicine that is similar to another biological medicine that has already been authorized for use by the European Medicines Agency. The term “biosimilar” is also used synonymously by other national and regional regulatory agencies. Biological products or biological medicines are medicines that are made by or derived from a biological source, such as a bacterium or yeast. They can consist of relatively small molecules such as human insulin or erythropoietin, or complex molecules such as monoclonal antibodies. For example, if the reference IL-2 protein is aldesleukin (PROLEUKIN), a protein approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to aldesleukin is a “biosimilar to” aldesleukin or is a “biosimilar thereof” of aldesleukin. In Europe, a similar biological or “biosimilar” medicine is a biological medicine that is similar to another biological medicine that has already been authorized for use by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The relevant legal basis for similar biological applications in Europe is Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 and Article 10(4) of Directive 2001/83/EC, as amended and therefore in Europe, the biosimilar may be authorized, approved for authorization or subject of an application for authorization under Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 and Article 10(4) of Directive 2001/83/EC. The already authorized original biological medicinal product may be referred to as a “reference medicinal product” in Europe. Some of the requirements for a product to be considered a biosimilar are outlined in the CHMP Guideline on Similar Biological Medicinal Products. In addition, product specific guidelines, including guidelines relating to monoclonal antibody biosimilars, are provided on a product-by-product basis by the EMA and published on its website. A biosimilar as described herein may be similar to the reference medicinal product by way of quality characteristics, biological activity, mechanism of action, safety profiles and/or efficacy. In addition, the biosimilar may be used or be intended for use to treat the same conditions as the reference medicinal product. Thus, a biosimilar as described herein may be deemed to have similar or highly similar quality characteristics to a reference medicinal product. Alternatively, or in addition, a biosimilar as described herein may be deemed to have similar or highly similar biological activity to a reference medicinal product. Alternatively, or in addition, a biosimilar as described herein may be deemed to have a similar or highly similar safety profile to a reference medicinal product. Alternatively, or in addition, a biosimilar as described herein may be deemed to have similar or highly similar efficacy to a reference medicinal product. As described herein, a biosimilar in Europe is compared to a reference medicinal product which has been authorized by the EMA. However, in some instances, the biosimilar may be compared to a biological medicinal product which has been authorized outside the European Economic Area (a non-EEA authorized “comparator”) in certain studies. Such studies include for example certain clinical and in vivo non-clinical studies. As used herein, the term “biosimilar” also relates to a biological medicinal product which has been or may be compared to a non-EEA authorized comparator. Certain biosimilars are proteins such as antibodies, antibody fragments (for example, antigen binding portions) and fusion proteins. A protein biosimilar may have an amino acid sequence that has minor modifications in the amino acid structure (including for example deletions, additions, and/or substitutions of amino acids) which do not significantly affect the function of the polypeptide. The biosimilar may comprise an amino acid sequence having a sequence identity of 97% or greater to the amino acid sequence of its reference medicinal product, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%. The biosimilar may comprise one or more post-translational modifications, for example, although not limited to, glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and/or truncation which is/are different to the post-translational modifications of the reference medicinal product, provided that the differences do not result in a change in safety and/or efficacy of the medicinal product. The biosimilar may have an identical or different glycosylation pattern to the reference medicinal product. Particularly, although not exclusively, the biosimilar may have a different glycosylation pattern if the differences address or are intended to address safety concerns associated with the reference medicinal product. Additionally, the biosimilar may deviate from the reference medicinal product in for example its strength, pharmaceutical form, formulation, excipients and/or presentation, providing safety and efficacy of the medicinal product is not compromised. The biosimilar may comprise differences in for example pharmacokinetic (PK) and/or pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles as compared to the reference medicinal product but is still deemed sufficiently similar to the reference medicinal product as to be authorized or considered suitable for authorization. In certain circumstances, the biosimilar exhibits different binding characteristics as compared to the reference medicinal product, wherein the different binding characteristics are considered by a Regulatory Authority such as the EMA not to be a barrier for authorization as a similar biological product. The term “biosimilar” is also used synonymously by other national and regional regulatory agencies.

II. Gene-Editing Processes

A. Overview: TIL Expansion+ Gene-Editing

In some embodiments of the present invention directed to methods for expanding TIL populations (e.g., CD39/CD69 negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TIL populations), the methods comprise one or more steps of gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs in order to enhance their therapeutic effect. As used herein, “gene-editing,” “gene editing,” and “genome editing” refer to a type of genetic modification in which DNA is permanently modified in the genome of a cell, e.g., DNA is inserted, deleted, modified or replaced within the cell's genome. In some embodiments, gene-editing causes the expression of a DNA sequence to be silenced (sometimes referred to as a gene knockout) or inhibited/reduced (sometimes referred to as a gene knockdown). In other embodiments, gene-editing causes the expression of a DNA sequence to be enhanced (e.g., by causing over-expression). In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, gene-editing technology is used to enhance the effectiveness of a therapeutic population of TILs.

In some embodiments, the population of TILs is genetically modified to silence or reduce expression of one or more cell surface receptors. In exemplary embodiments, the cell surface receptors are CD39 and/or CD69. As used herein, “CD39”, “ENTPD1”, “ATPDase”, “NTPDase-1”, “SPG64”, and “ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1” all refer to a cell surface enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of γ- and P-phosphate residues of triphospho- and diphosphonucleosides to the monophosphonucleoside derivative. High expression or activity of CD39 can prevent the immune system from inhibiting the progression of cancer. As used herein, “CD69”, “AIM”, “BL-AC/P26”, “CLEC2C”, “EA1”, “GP32/28”, “MLR-3”, all refer to a human transmembrane C-Type lectin protein encoded by the CD69 gene. CD69 is an activation marker expressed in many cell types in the immune system and is involved in lymphocyte proliferation and signal-transmission in lymphocytes. Thus, without being bound by any particular theory of operation, it is believed that TILs genetically modified to silence or reduce CD39 and CD69 expression exhibit increased anti-tumor activity. TILs can be modified to silence or reduce CD39 and CD69 expression using any suitable methods known in the art including the genetic modification methods described herein. Exemplary gene modification technique include, for example, CRISPR, TALE and zinc finger methods described herein.

In some embodiments, the genetically modified TIL population is first preselected for CD39/CD69 double negative expression and the CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TIL population is subsequently genetically modified to silence or reduce CD39 and CD69 expression. Without being bound by any particular theory of operation, it is believed that such CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TIL populations that are subsequently genetically modified to silence or reduce CD39 and CD69 expression exhibit enhanced anti-tumor activity as compared to control TIL populations (e.g., TIL populations that are not pre-selected for CD39/CD69 double negative expression and/or subsequently modified to reduce CD39 and CD69 expression. TILs are preselected for CD39/CD69 double negative expression using any suitable method including, for example, the CD39/CD69 double negative preselection methods provided herein.

In some embodiments, the genetically modified TIL population with silenced or reduced CD39 and CD69 expression is subsequently expanded to create a population of therapeutic population of TILs that are genetically modified to silence or reduce CD39 and CD69 expression. Any suitable expansion method can be used to expand the genetically modified TIL population.

A method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein, wherein the method further comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs. According to additional embodiments, a method for expanding TILs into a therapeutic population of TILs is carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described in PCT/US2017/058610, PCT/US2018/012605, or PCT/US2018/012633, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, wherein the method further comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs. Thus, an embodiment of the present invention provides a therapeutic population of TILs that has been expanded in accordance with any embodiment described herein, wherein at least a portion of the therapeutic population has been gene-edited, e.g., at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs that is transferred to the infusion bag is permanently gene-edited.

B. Timing of Gene-Editing During TIL Expansion

In some embodiments, TIL populations are genetically modified in the course of the expansion methods provided herein. The expansion methods (e.g., 2A and Gen 3 processes described herein or the process depicted in FIG. 34 ) generally include a first expansion and a second expansion. In certain embodiments, TILs are pre-selected for particular markers (e.g., CD39/CD69 double negative expression) prior to the first expansion of the expansion methods. In some embodiments, this enriched population are genetically modified to silence or minimize CD39 and CD69 expression prior to undergoing the first expansion (e.g., a 2A or Gen 3 process first expansion as described herein or the first expansion depicted in FIG. 34 ). In some embodiments, the enriched population undergoes a first expansion and the cells produced in the first expansion are genetically modified to silence or reduce CD39 and CD69 expression prior to undergoing the second expansion (e.g., a 2A or Gen 3 process second expansion as described herein or the first expansion depicted in FIG. 34 ). In some embodiments, the enriched population undergoes a first expansion and second expansion and the TILs produced as a result of the second expansion are genetically modified to silence or reduce CD39 and CD69 expression.

According to some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining and/or receiving a first population of TILs a         sample that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells from a         cancer in a patient or subject;     -   (b) selecting CD39/CD69 double negative and/or         CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs from the first population of TILs         in (a) to obtain a population of CD39/CD69 double negative         and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TILs;     -   (c) performing a first expansion by culturing the CD39/CD69         double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TIL         population in a first cell culture medium comprising IL-2,         OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs) to produce a second         population of TILs, wherein the priming first expansion is         performed in a container comprising a first gas-permeable         surface area, wherein the priming first expansion is performed         for first period of about 1 to 11 days to obtain the second         population of TILs, wherein the second population of TILs is         greater in number than the first population of TILs;     -   (d) performing a rapid second expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a second culture medium comprising IL-2,         OKT-3, and APCs, to produce a third population of TILs, wherein         the third population of TILs is a therapeutic population of         TILs, wherein the rapid second expansion is performed for a         second period of about 14 days or less to obtain the therapeutic         population of TILs;     -   (e) harvesting the third population of TILs; and     -   (f) genetically modifying the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or         CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO)enriched population of TILs at any time         during the method such that the harvested third population of         TILs comprises genetically modified TILs comprising a genetic         modification that reduces the expression of CD39 and CD69.

As stated in step (f) of the embodiment described above, the gene modification process may be carried out on any TIL population in the method, which means that the gene editing may be carried out on TILs before, during, or after any of the steps in the expansion method; for example, during any of steps (a)-(e) outlined in the method above. According to certain embodiments, TILs are collected during the expansion method, and the collected TILs are subjected to a gene-editing process, and, in some cases, subsequently reintroduced back into the expansion method (e.g., back into the culture medium) to continue the expansion process, so that at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs are permanently gene-edited. In an embodiment, the gene modification process may be carried out before expansion by activating TILs, performing a gene-editing step on the activated TILs, and expanding the gene-edited TILs according to the processes described herein.

It should be noted that alternative embodiments of the expansion process may differ from the method shown above; e.g., alternative embodiments may not have the same steps (a)-(g), or may have a different number of steps. Regardless of the specific embodiment, the gene-editing process may be carried out at any time during the TIL expansion method. For example, alternative embodiments may include more than two expansions, and it is possible that the gene modification step may be conducted on the TILs during a third or fourth expansion, etc.

According to some embodiments, the gene modification process is carried out on TILs from one or more of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO)population of TILs, the second population, and the third population. For example, gene modification may be carried out on the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs, or on a portion of TILs collected from the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population, and following the gene-editing process those TILs may subsequently be placed back into the expansion process (e.g., back into the culture medium). Alternatively, gene modification may be carried out on TILs from the second or third population, or on a portion of TILs collected from the second or third population, respectively, and following the gene modification process those TILs may subsequently be placed back into the expansion process (e.g., back into the culture medium). According to other embodiments, gene modification is performed while the TILs are still in the culture medium and while the expansion is being carried out, i.e., they are not necessarily “removed” from the expansion in order to conduct gene-editing.

According to other embodiments, the gene modification process is carried out on TILs from the first expansion, or TILs from the second expansion, or both. For example, during the first expansion or second expansion, gene modification may be carried out on TILs that are collected from the culture medium, and following the gene-editing process those TILs may subsequently be placed back into the expansion method, e.g., by reintroducing them back into the culture medium.

According to other embodiments, the gene modification process is carried out on at least a portion of the TILs after the first expansion and before the second expansion. For example, after the first expansion, gene-editing may be carried out on TILs that are collected from the culture medium, and following the gene modification process those TILs may subsequently be placed back into the expansion method, e.g., by reintroducing them back into the culture medium for the second expansion.

According to alternative embodiments, the gene-editing process is carried out before step (c) (e.g., before, during, or after any of steps (a)-(b)), before step (d) (e.g., before, during, or after any of steps (a)-(c)), or before step (e) (e.g., before, during, or after any of steps (a)-(d).

In other embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected         from a patient by processing a tumor sample obtained from the         patient into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (b) adding the tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (c) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, and         optionally OKT-3 (e.g., OKT-3 may be present in the culture         medium beginning on the start date of the expansion process), to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (b) to step (c)         optionally occurs without opening the system;     -   (e) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, optionally OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to         produce a third population of TILs, wherein the second expansion         is performed for about 7-14 days to obtain the third population         of TILs, wherein the third population of TILs is a therapeutic         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed in         a closed container providing a second gas-permeable surface         area, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         optionally occurs without opening the system;     -   (f) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from         step (d), wherein the transition from step (d) to step (e)         optionally occurs without opening the system;     -   (g) transferring the harvested TIL population from step (e) to         an infusion bag, wherein the transfer from step (e) to (f)         optionally occurs without opening the system; and     -   (h) optionally genetically modifying the population of         CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double negative enriched         TILss at any time prior to the prior to the transfer to the         infusion bag in step (g) such that the harvested population of         TILs comprises genetically modified TILs comprising a genetic         modification that reduces the expression of CD39 and CD69.

As stated in step (g) of the embodiment described above, the gene-editing process may be carried out at any time during the TIL expansion method prior to the transfer to the infusion bag in step (f), which means that the gene editing may be carried out on TILs before, during, or after any of the steps in the expansion method; for example, during any of steps (a)-(f) outlined in the method above, or before or after any of steps (a)-(e) outlined in the method above. According to certain embodiments, TILs are collected during the expansion method (e.g., the expansion method is “paused” for at least a portion of the TILs), and the collected TILs are subjected to a gene-editing process, and, in some cases, subsequently reintroduced back into the expansion method (e.g., back into the culture medium) to continue the expansion process, so that at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs that are eventually transferred to the infusion bag are permanently gene-edited. In an embodiment, the gene-editing process may be carried out before expansion by activating TILs, performing a gene-editing step on the activated TILs, and expanding the gene-edited TILs according to the processes described herein.

It should be noted that alternative embodiments of the expansion process may differ from the method shown above; e.g., alternative embodiments may not have the same steps (a)-(g), or may have a different number of steps. Regardless of the specific embodiment, the gene-editing process may be carried out at any time during the TIL expansion method. For example, alternative embodiments may include more than two expansions, and it is possible that gene-editing may be conducted on the TILs during a third or fourth expansion, etc.

According to some embodiments, the gene-editing process is carried out on TILs from one or more of the first population, the second population, and the third population. For example, gene-editing may be carried out on the first population of TILs, or on a portion of TILs collected from the first population, and following the gene-editing process those TILs may subsequently be placed back into the expansion process (e.g., back into the culture medium). Alternatively, gene-editing may be carried out on TILs from the second or third population, or on a portion of TILs collected from the second or third population, respectively, and following the gene-editing process those TILs may subsequently be placed back into the expansion process (e.g., back into the culture medium). According to other embodiments, gene-editing is performed while the TILs are still in the culture medium and while the expansion is being carried out, i.e., they are not necessarily “removed” from the expansion in order to conduct gene-editing.

According to other embodiments, the gene-editing process is carried out on TILs from the first expansion, or TILs from the second expansion, or both. For example, during the first expansion or second expansion, gene-editing may be carried out on TILs that are collected from the culture medium, and following the gene-editing process those TILs may subsequently be placed back into the expansion method, e.g., by reintroducing them back into the culture medium.

According to other embodiments, the gene-editing process is carried out on at least a portion of the TILs after the first expansion and before the second expansion. For example, after the first expansion, gene-editing may be carried out on TILs that are collected from the culture medium, and following the gene-editing process those TILs may subsequently be placed back into the expansion method, e.g., by reintroducing them back into the culture medium for the second expansion.

According to alternative embodiments, the gene-editing process is carried out before step (c) (e.g., before, during, or after any of steps (a)-(b)), before step (d) (e.g., before, during, or after any of steps (a)-(c)), before step (e) (e.g., before, during, or after any of steps (a)-(d)), or before step (f) (e.g., before, during, or after any of steps (a)-(e)).

It should be noted with regard to OKT-3, according to certain embodiments, that the cell culture medium may comprise OKT-3 beginning on the start day (Day 0), or on Day 1 of the first expansion, such that the gene-editing is carried out on TILs after they have been exposed to OKT-3 in the cell culture medium on Day 0 and/or Day 1. According to other embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises OKT-3 during the first expansion and/or during the second expansion, and the gene-editing is carried out before the OKT-3 is introduced into the cell culture medium. Alternatively, the cell culture medium may comprise OKT-3 during the first expansion and/or during the second expansion, and the gene-editing is carried out after the OKT-3 is introduced into the cell culture medium.

It should also be noted with regard to a 4-1BB agonist, according to certain embodiments, that the cell culture medium may comprise a 4-1BB agonist beginning on the start day (Day 0), or on Day 1 of the first expansion, such that the gene-editing is carried out on TILs after they have been exposed to a 4-1BB agonist in the cell culture medium on Day 0 and/or Day 1. According to other embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises a 4-1BB agonist during the first expansion and/or during the second expansion, and the gene-editing is carried out before the 4-1BB agonist is introduced into the cell culture medium. Alternatively, the cell culture medium may comprise a 4-1BB agonist during the first expansion and/or during the second expansion, and the gene-editing is carried out after the 4-1BB agonist is introduced into the cell culture medium.

It should also be noted with regard to IL-2, according to certain embodiments, that the cell culture medium may comprise IL-2 beginning on the start day (Day 0), or on Day 1 of the first expansion, such that the gene-editing is carried out on TILs after they have been exposed to IL-2 in the cell culture medium on Day 0 and/or Day 1. According to other embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises IL-2 during the first expansion and/or during the second expansion, and the gene-editing is carried out before the IL-2 is introduced into the cell culture medium. Alternatively, the cell culture medium may comprise IL-2 during the first expansion and/or during the second expansion, and the gene-editing is carried out after the IL-2 is introduced into the cell culture medium.

As discussed above, one or more of OKT-3, 4-1BB agonist and IL-2 may be included in the cell culture medium beginning on Day 0 or Day 1 of the first expansion. According to some embodiments, OKT-3 is included in the cell culture medium beginning on Day 0 or Day 1 of the first expansion, and/or a 4-1BB agonist is included in the cell culture medium beginning on Day 0 or Day 1 of the first expansion, and/or IL-2 is included in the cell culture medium beginning on Day 0 or Day 1 of the first expansion. According to an example, the cell culture medium comprises OKT-3 and a 4-1BB agonist beginning on Day 0 or Day 1 of the first expansion. According to another example, the cell culture medium comprises OKT-3, a 4-1BB agonist and IL-2 beginning on Day 0 or Day 1 of the first expansion. Of course, one or more of OKT-3, 4-1BB agonist and IL-2 may be added to the cell culture medium at one or more additional time points during the expansion process, as set forth in various embodiments described herein.

According to some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected         from a patient by processing a tumor sample obtained from the         patient into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (b) adding the tumor fragments into a closed system;         (c) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 and         optionally comprising OKT-3 and/or a 4-1BB agonist antibody for         about 3 to 11 days to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area;     -   (e) stimulating the second population of TILs by adding OKT-3         and culturing for about 1 to 3 days, wherein the transition from         step (d) to step (e) optionally occurs without opening the         system;     -   (f) sterile electroporating the second population of TILs to         effect transfer of at least one gene editor into a portion of         cells of the second population of TILs;     -   (g) resting the second population of TILs for about 1 day;     -   (h) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, optionally OKT-3 antibody, optionally an OX40 antibody,         and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed         for about 7 to 11 days to obtain a third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (g) to step (h) optionally occurs without         opening the system;     -   (i) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from         step (h) to provide a harvested TIL population, wherein the         transition from step (h) to step (i) optionally occurs without         opening the system, wherein the harvested population of TILs is         a therapeutic population of TILs; and     -   j) transferring the harvested TIL population to an infusion bag,         wherein the transfer from step (h) to (i) optionally occurs         without opening the system, wherein the sterile electroporation         of the at least one gene editor into the portion of cells of the         second population of TILs modifies a plurality of cells in the         portion to reduce the expression of CD39 and CD69.

According to some embodiments, the foregoing method further comprises cryopreserving the harvested TIL population using a cryopreservation medium. In some embodiments, the cryopreservation medium is a dimethylsulfoxide-based cryopreservation medium. In other embodiments, the cryopreservation medium is CS10.

In other embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining and/or receiving a first population of TILs a         sample that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells from a         cancer in a patient or subject;     -   (b) selecting CD39/CD69 double negative TILs from the first         population of TILs in (a) to obtain a population of CD39/CD69         double negative enriched TILs;     -   (c) performing a priming first expansion by culturing the         CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TIL population in a first         cell culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen         presenting cells (APCs) to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the priming first expansion is performed in a container         comprising a first gas-permeable surface area, wherein the         priming first expansion is performed for first period of about 1         to 11 days to obtain the second population of TILs, wherein the         second population of TILs is greater in number than the first         population of TILs;     -   (d) optionally restimulating the second population of TILs with         OKT-3;     -   (e) genetically modifying the second population of TILs to         produce a modified second population of TILs, wherein the         modified second population of TILs comprises a genetic         modification that reduces the expression of CD39 and CD69;     -   (f) performing a rapid second expansion by culturing the         modified second population of TILs in a second culture medium         comprising IL-2, OKT-3, and APCs, to produce a third population         of TILs, wherein the rapid second expansion is performed for a         second period of about 14 days or less to obtain the therapeutic         population of TILs, wherein the third population of TILs is a         therapeutic population of TILs comprising the genetic         modification that reduces the expression of CD39 and CD69; and     -   (g) harvesting the third population of TILs.

In some embodiments, the genetically modifying step comprises electroporation and the delivery of at least one gene editor system selected from the group consisting of a Clustered Regularly Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) system, a Transcription Activator-Like Effector (TALE) system, or a zinc finger system, wherein the at least one gene editor system reduces expression of CD39 and/or CD69 in the modified second population of TILs.

According to some embodiments, the foregoing method may be used to provide an autologous harvested TIL population for the treatment of a human subject with cancer.

C. Gene Editing Methods

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention provide tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that have been genetically modified via gene-editing to enhance their therapeutic effect (e.g., expression of an immunomodulatory fusion protein on its cell surface). Embodiments of the present invention embrace genetic editing through nucleotide insertion (RNA or DNA) into a population of TILs for both promotion of the expression of one or more proteins and inhibition of the expression of one or more proteins, as well as combinations thereof. Embodiments of the present invention also provide methods for expanding TILs into a therapeutic population, wherein the methods comprise gene-editing the TILs. There are several gene-editing technologies that may be used to genetically modify a population of TILs, which are suitable for use in accordance with the present invention.

In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of stable incorporation of genes for production of one or more proteins. In an embodiment, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of retroviral transduction. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of lentiviral transduction. Lentiviral transduction systems are known in the art and are described, e.g., in Levine, et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. 2006, 103, 17372-77; Zufferey, et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 1997, 15, 871-75; Dull, et al., J. Virology 1998, 72, 8463-71, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,627,442, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of gamma-retroviral transduction. Gamma-retroviral transduction systems are known in the art and are described, e.g., Cepko and Pear, Cur. Prot. Mol. Biol. 1996, 9.9.1-9.9.16, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of transposon-mediated gene transfer. Transposon-mediated gene transfer systems are known in the art and include systems wherein the transposase is provided as DNA expression vector or as an expressible RNA or a protein such that long-term expression of the transposase does not occur in the transgenic cells, for example, a transposase provided as an mRNA (e.g., an mRNA comprising a cap and poly-A tail). Suitable transposon-mediated gene transfer systems, including the salmonid-type Tel-like transposase (SB or Sleeping Beauty transposase), such as SB10, SB11, and SB100x, and engineered enzymes with increased enzymatic activity, are described in, e.g., Hackett, et al., Mol. Therapy 2010, 18, 674-83 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,489,458, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of stable incorporation of genes for production or inhibition (e.g., silencing) of one or more proteins. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of electroporation. Electroporation methods are known in the art and are described, e.g., in Tsong, Biophys. J. 1991, 60, 297-306, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0227237 A1, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. Other electroporation methods known in the art, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,019,034; 5,128,257; 5,137,817; 5,173,158; 5,232,856; 5,273,525; 5,304,120; 5,318,514; 6,010,613 and 6,078,490, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein, may be used. In some embodiments, the electroporation method is a sterile electroporation method. In some embodiments, the electroporation method is a pulsed electroporation method. In some embodiments, the electroporation method is a pulsed electroporation method comprising the steps of treating TILs with pulsed electrical fields to alter, manipulate, or cause defined and controlled, permanent or temporary changes in the TILs, comprising the step of applying a sequence of at least three single, operator-controlled, independently programmed, DC electrical pulses, having field strengths equal to or greater than 100 V/cm, to the TILs, wherein the sequence of at least three DC electrical pulses has one, two, or three of the following characteristics: (1) at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse amplitude; (2) at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse width; and (3) a first pulse interval for a first set of two of the at least three pulses is different from a second pulse interval for a second set of two of the at least three pulses. In some embodiments, the electroporation method is a pulsed electroporation method comprising the steps of treating TILs with pulsed electrical fields to alter, manipulate, or cause defined and controlled, permanent or temporary changes in the TILs, comprising the step of applying a sequence of at least three single, operator-controlled, independently programmed, DC electrical pulses, having field strengths equal to or greater than 100 V/cm, to the TILs, wherein at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse amplitude. In some embodiments, the electroporation method is a pulsed electroporation method comprising the steps of treating TILs with pulsed electrical fields to alter, manipulate, or cause defined and controlled, permanent or temporary changes in the TILs, comprising the step of applying a sequence of at least three single, operator-controlled, independently programmed, DC electrical pulses, having field strengths equal to or greater than 100 V/cm, to the TILs, wherein at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse width. In some embodiment, the electroporation method is a pulsed electroporation method comprising the steps of treating TILs with pulsed electrical fields to alter, manipulate, or cause defined and controlled, permanent or temporary changes in the TILs, comprising the step of applying a sequence of at least three single, operator-controlled, independently programmed, DC electrical pulses, having field strengths equal to or greater than 100 V/cm, to the TILs, wherein a first pulse interval for a first set of two of the at least three pulses is different from a second pulse interval for a second set of two of the at least three pulses. In some embodiments, the electroporation method is a pulsed electroporation method comprising the steps of treating TILs with pulsed electrical fields to induce pore formation in the TILs, comprising the step of applying a sequence of at least three DC electrical pulses, having field strengths equal to or greater than 100 V/cm, to TILs, wherein the sequence of at least three DC electrical pulses has one, two, or three of the following characteristics: (1) at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse amplitude; (2) at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse width; and (3) a first pulse interval for a first set of two of the at least three pulses is different from a second pulse interval for a second set of two of the at least three pulses, such that induced pores are sustained for a relatively long period of time, and such that viability of the TILs is maintained.

In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of calcium phosphate transfection. Calcium phosphate transfection methods (calcium phosphate DNA precipitation, cell surface coating, and endocytosis) are known in the art and are described in Graham and van der Eb, Virology 1973, 52, 456-467; Wigler, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 1979, 76, 1373-1376; and Chen and Okayarea, Mol. Cell. Biol. 1987, 7, 2745-2752; and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,875, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of liposomal transfection. Liposomal transfection methods, such as methods that employ a 1:1 (w/w) liposome formulation of the cationic lipid N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-n,n,n-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA) and dioleoyl phophotidylethanolamine (DOPE) in filtered water, are known in the art and are described in Rose, et al., Biotechniques 1991, 10, 520-525 and Felgner, et al., Proc. Nail. Acad. Sci. USA, 1987, 84, 7413-7417 and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,279,833; 5,908,635; 6,056,938; 6,110,490; 6,534,484; and 7,687,070, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of transfection using methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,766,902; 6,025,337; 6,410,517; 6,475,994; and 7,189,705; the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

According to an embodiment, the gene-editing process may comprise the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at one or more immune checkpoint genes. Such programmable nucleases enable precise genome editing by introducing breaks at specific genomic loci, i.e., they rely on the recognition of a specific DNA sequence within the genome to target a nuclease domain to this location and mediate the generation of a double-strand break at the target sequence. A double-strand break in the DNA subsequently recruits endogenous repair machinery to the break site to mediate genome editing by either non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) or homology-directed repair (HDR). Thus, the repair of the break can result in the introduction of insertion/deletion mutations that disrupt (e.g., silence, repress, or enhance) the target gene product.

Major classes of nucleases that have been developed to enable site-specific genomic editing include zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR-associated nucleases (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9). These nuclease systems can be broadly classified into two categories based on their mode of DNA recognition: ZFNs and TALENs achieve specific DNA binding via protein-DNA interactions, whereas CRISPR systems, such as Cas9, are targeted to specific DNA sequences by a short RNA guide molecule that base-pairs directly with the target DNA and by protein-DNA interactions. See, e.g., Cox et al., Nature Medicine, 2015, Vol. 21, No. 2.

Non-limiting examples of gene-editing methods that may be used in accordance with TIL expansion methods of the present invention include CRISPR methods, TALE methods, and ZFN methods, embodiments of which are described in more detail below. According to some embodiments, a method for expanding TILs into a therapeutic population may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A) or as described in PCT/US2017/058610, PCT/US2018/012605, or PCT/US2018/012633, wherein the method further comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs by one or more of a CRISPR method, a TALE method or a ZFN method, in order to generate TILs that can provide an enhanced therapeutic effect. According to some embodiments, gene-edited TILs can be evaluated for an improved therapeutic effect by comparing them to non-modified TILs in vitro, e.g., by evaluating in vitro effector function, cytokine profiles, etc. compared to unmodified TILs.

In some embodiments of the present invention, electroporation is used for delivery of a gene editing system, such as CRISPR, TALEN, and ZFN systems. In some embodiments of the present invention, the electroporation system is a flow electroporation system. An example of a suitable flow electroporation system suitable for use with some embodiments of the present invention is the commercially-available MaxCyte STX system. There are several alternative commercially-available electroporation instruments which may be suitable for use with the present invention, such as the AgilePulse system or ECM 830 available from BTX-Harvard Apparatus, Cellaxess Elektra (Cellectricon), Nucleofector (Lonza/Amaxa), GenePulser MXcell (BIORAD), iPorator-96 (Primax) or siPORTer96 (Ambion). In some embodiments of the present invention, the electroporation system forms a closed, sterile system with the remainder of the TIL expansion method. In some embodiments of the present invention, the electroporation system is a pulsed electroporation system as described herein, and forms a closed, sterile system with the remainder of the TIL expansion method.

a. CRISPR Methods

A method for expanding TILs into a therapeutic population may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A) or as described in PCT/US2017/058610, PCT/US2018/012605, or PCT/US2018/012633, wherein the method further comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs by a CRISPR method (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9 or CRISPR/Cpfl). According to particular embodiments, the use of a CRISPR method during the TIL expansion process causes expression of at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface of, and optionally causes one or more immune checkpoint genes to be silenced or reduced in, at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs. Alternatively, the use of a CRISPR method during the TIL expansion process causes expression of at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface of, and optionally causes one or more immune checkpoint genes to be enhanced in, at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs. In some embodiments, the at least one immunomodulatory composition comprises a cytokine fused to a membrance anchor. In some embodiments, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-21.

CRISPR stands for “Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.” A method of using a CRISPR system for gene editing is also referred to herein as a CRISPR method. CRISPR systems can be divided into two main classes, Class 1 and Class 2, which are further classified into different types and sub-types. The classification of the CRISPR systems is based on the effector Cas proteins that are capable of cleaving specific nucleic acids. In Class 1 CRISPR systems the effector module consists of a multi-protein complex, whereas Class 2 systems only use one effector protein. Class 1 CRISPR includes Types I, III, and IV and Class 2 CRISPR includes Types II, V, and VI. While any of these types of CRISPR systems may be used in accordance with the present invention, there are three types of CRISPR systems which incorporate RNAs and Cas proteins that are preferred for use in accordance with the present invention: Types I (exemplified by Cas3), II (exemplified by Cas9), and III (exemplified by Cas10). The Type II CRISPR is one of the most well-characterized systems.

CRISPR technology was adapted from the natural defense mechanisms of bacteria and archaea (the domain of single-celled microorganisms). These organisms use CRISPR-derived RNA and various Cas proteins, including Cas9, to foil attacks by viruses and other foreign bodies by chopping up and destroying the DNA of a foreign invader. A CRISPR is a specialized region of DNA with two distinct characteristics: the presence of nucleotide repeats and spacers. Repeated sequences of nucleotides are distributed throughout a CRISPR region with short segments of foreign DNA (spacers) interspersed among the repeated sequences. In the type II CRISPR/Cas system, spacers are integrated within the CRISPR genomic loci and transcribed and processed into short CRISPR RNA (crRNA). These crRNAs anneal to trans-activating crRNAs (tracrRNAs) and direct sequence-specific cleavage and silencing of pathogenic DNA by Cas proteins. Target recognition by the Cas9 protein requires a “seed” sequence within the crRNA and a conserved dinucleotide-containing protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence upstream of the crRNA-binding region. The CRISPR/Cas system can thereby be retargeted to cleave virtually any DNA sequence by redesigning the crRNA. Thus, according to certain embodiments, Cas9 serves as an RNA-guided DNA endonuclease that cleaves DNA upon crRNA-tracrRNA recognition. The crRNA and tracrRNA in the native system can be simplified into a single guide RNA (sgRNA) of approximately 100 nucleotides for use in genetic engineering. The sgRNA is a synthetic RNA that includes a scaffold sequence necessary for Cas-binding and a user-defined approximately 17- to 20-nucleotide spacer that defines the genomic target to be modified. Thus, a user can change the genomic target of the Cas protein by changing the target sequence present in the sgRNA. The CRISPR/Cas system is directly portable to human cells by co-delivery of plasmids expressing the Cas9 endo-nuclease and the RNA components (e.g., sgRNA). Different variants of Cas proteins may be used to reduce targeting limitations (e.g., orthologs of Cas9, such as Cpfl).

According to some embodiments, an engineered, programmable, non-naturally occurring Type II CRISPR-Cas system comprises a Cas9 protein and at least one guide RNA that targets and hybridizes to a target sequence of a DNA molecule in a TIL, wherein the DNA molecule encodes and the TIL expresses at least one immune checkpoint molecule, and the Cas9 protein cleaves the DNA molecules, whereby expression of the at least one immune checkpoint molecule is altered; and, wherein the Cas9 protein and the guide RNA do not naturally occur together. According to an embodiment, the expression of two or more immune checkpoint molecules is altered. According to an embodiment, the guide RNA(s) comprise a guide sequence fused to a tracr sequence. For example, the guide RNA may comprise crRNA-tracrRNA or sgRNA. According to aspects of the present invention, the terms “guide RNA”, “single guide RNA” and “synthetic guide RNA” may be used interchangeably and refer to the polynucleotide sequence comprising the guide sequence, which is the approximately 17-20 bp sequence within the guide RNA that specifies the target site.

Variants of Cas9 having improved on-target specificity compared to Cas9 may also be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Such variants may be referred to as high-fidelity Cas-9s. According to an embodiment, a dual nickase approach may be utilized, wherein two nickases targeting opposite DNA strands generate a DSB within the target DNA (often referred to as a double nick or dual nickase CRISPR system). For example, this approach may involve the mutation of one of the two Cas9 nuclease domains, turning Cas9 from a nuclease into a nickase. Non-limiting examples of high-fidelity Cas9s include eSpCas9, SpCas9-HF1 and HypaCas9. Such variants may reduce or eliminate unwanted changes at non-target DNA sites. See, e.g., Slaymaker I M, et al. Science. 2015 Dec. 1, Kleinstiver B P, et al. Nature. 2016 Jan. 6, and Ran et al., Nat Protoc. 2013 November; 8(11):2281-2308, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Additionally, according to particular embodiments, Cas9 scaffolds may be used that improve gene delivery of Cas9 into cells and improve on-target specificity, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0102324, which is incorporated by reference herein. For example, Cas9 scaffolds may include a RuvC motif as defined by (D-[I/L]-G-X-X—S-X-G-W-A) and/or a HNH motif defined by (Y-X-X-D-H-X-X—P-X-S-X-X-X-D-X-S), where X represents any one of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids and [I/L] represents isoleucine or leucine. The HNH domain is responsible for nicking one strand of the target dsDNA and the RuvC domain is involved in cleavage of the other strand of the dsDNA. Thus, each of these domains nick a strand of the target DNA within the protospacer in the immediate vicinity of PAM, resulting in blunt cleavage of the DNA. These motifs may be combined with each other to create more compact and/or more specific Cas9 scaffolds. Further, the motifs may be used to create a split Cas9 protein (i.e., a reduced or truncated form of a Cas9 protein or Cas9 variant that comprises either a RuvC domain or a HNH domain) that is divided into two separate RuvC and HNH domains, which can process the target DNA together or separately.

According to particular embodiments, a CRISPR method comprises silencing or reducing the expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes in TILs by introducing a Cas9 nuclease and a guide RNA (e.g., crRNA-tracrRNA or sgRNA) containing a sequence of approximately 17-20 nucleotides specific to a target DNA sequence of the immune checkpoint gene(s). The guide RNA may be delivered as RNA or by transforming a plasmid with the guide RNA-coding sequence under a promoter. The CRISPR/Cas enzymes introduce a double-strand break (DSB) at a specific location based on a sgRNA-defined target sequence. DSBs may be repaired in the cells by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), a mechanism which frequently causes insertions or deletions (indels) in the DNA. Indels often lead to frameshifts, creating loss of function alleles; for example, by causing premature stop codons within the open reading frame (ORF) of the targeted gene. According to certain embodiments, the result is a loss-of-function mutation within the targeted immune checkpoint gene.

Alternatively, DSBs induced by CRISPR/Cas enzymes may be repaired by homology-directed repair (HDR) instead of NHEJ. While NHEJ-mediated DSB repair often disrupts the open reading frame of the gene, homology directed repair (HDR) can be used to generate specific nucleotide changes ranging from a single nucleotide change to large insertions. According to an embodiment, HDR is used for gene editing immune checkpoint genes by delivering a DNA repair template containing the desired sequence into the TILs with the sgRNA(s) and Cas9 or Cas9 nickase. The repair template preferably contains the desired edit as well as additional homologous sequence immediately upstream and downstream of the target gene (often referred to as left and right homology arms).

According to particular embodiments, an enzymatically inactive version of Cas9 (deadCas9 or dCas9) may be targeted to transcription start sites in order to repress transcription by blocking initiation. Thus, targeted immune checkpoint genes may be repressed without the use of a DSB. A dCas9 molecule retains the ability to bind to target DNA based on the sgRNA targeting sequence. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a CRISPR method comprises silencing or reducing the expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes by inhibiting or preventing transcription of the targeted gene(s). For example, a CRISPR method may comprise fusing a transcriptional repressor domain, such as a Kruppel-associated box (KRAB) domain, to an enzymatically inactive version of Cas9, thereby forming, e.g., a dCas9-KRAB, that targets the immune checkpoint gene's transcription start site, leading to the inhibition or prevention of transcription of the gene. Preferably, the repressor domain is targeted to a window downstream from the transcription start site, e.g., about 500 bp downstream. This approach, which may be referred to as CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), leads to robust gene knockdown via transcriptional reduction of the target RNA.

According to particular embodiments, an enzymatically inactive version of Cas9 (deadCas9 or dCas9) may be targeted to transcription start sites in order to activate transcription. This approach may be referred to as CRISPR activation (CRISPRa). According to an embodiment, a CRISPR method comprises increasing the expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes by activating transcription of the targeted gene(s). According to such embodiments, targeted immune checkpoint genes may be activated without the use of a DSB. A CRISPR method may comprise targeting transcriptional activation domains to the transcription start site; for example, by fusing a transcriptional activator, such as VP64, to dCas9, thereby forming, e.g., a dCas9-VP64, that targets the immune checkpoint gene's transcription start site, leading to activation of transcription of the gene. Preferably, the activator domain is targeted to a window upstream from the transcription start site, e.g., about 50-400 bp downstream

Additional embodiments of the present invention may utilize activation strategies that have been developed for potent activation of target genes in mammalian cells. Non-limiting examples include co-expression of epitope-tagged dCas9 and antibody-activator effector proteins (e.g., the SunTag system), dCas9 fused to a plurality of different activation domains in series (e.g., dCas9-VPR) or co-expression of dCas9-VP64 with a modified scaffold gRNA and additional RNA-binding helper activators (e.g., SAM activators).

According to other embodiments, a CRISPR-mediated genome editing method referred to as CRISPR assisted rational protein engineering (CARPE) may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,982,278, which is incorporated by reference herein. CARPE involves the generation of “donor” and “destination” libraries that incorporate directed mutations from single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) editing cassettes directly into the genome. Construction of the donor library involves cotransforming rationally designed editing oligonucleotides into cells with a guide RNA (gRNA) that hybridizes to a target DNA sequence. The editing oligonucleotides are designed to couple deletion or mutation of a PAM with the mutation of one or more desired codons in the adjacent gene. This enables the entire donor library to be generated in a single transformation. The donor library is retrieved by amplification of the recombinant chromosomes, such as by a PCR reaction, using a synthetic feature from the editing oligonucleotide, namely, a second PAM deletion or mutation that is simultaneously incorporated at the 3′ terminus of the gene. This covalently couples the codon target mutations directed to a PAM deletion. The donor libraries are then co-transformed into cells with a destination gRNA vector to create a population of cells that express a rationally designed protein library.

According to other embodiments, methods for trackable, precision genome editing using a CRISPR-mediated system referred to as Genome Engineering by Trackable CRISPR Enriched Recombineering (GEn-TraCER) may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,982,278, which is incorporated by reference herein. The GEn-TraCER methods and vectors combine an editing cassette with a gene encoding gRNA on a single vector. The cassette contains a desired mutation and a PAM mutation. The vector, which may also encode Cas9, is the introduced into a cell or population of cells. This activates expression of the CRISPR system in the cell or population of cells, causing the gRNA to recruit Cas9 to the target region, where a dsDNA break occurs, allowing integration of the PAM mutation.

Non-limiting examples of genes that may be silenced or inhibited by permanently gene-editing TILs via a CRISPR method include CD39, CD69. PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, HAVCR2 (TIM-3), Cish, TGFβ, PKA, CBL-B, PPP2CA, PPP2CB, PTPN6, PTPN22, PDCD1, BTLA, CD160, TIGIT, TET2, CD96, CRTAM, LAIR1, SIGLEC7, SIGLEC9, CD244, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF10A, CASP8, CASP10, CASP3, CASP6, CASP7, FADD, FAS, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, SMAD10, SKI, SKIL, TGIF1, IL10RA, IL10RB, HMOX2, IL6R, IL6ST, EIF2AK4, CSK, PAGI, SIT1, FOXP3, PRDM1, BATF, GUCY1A2, GUCY1A3, GUCYlB2, GUCYlB3, and TOX.

Non-limiting examples of genes that may be enhanced by permanently gene-editing TILs via a CRISPR method include CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CX3CR1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, IL-21, the NOTCH 1/2 intracellular domain (ICD), and/or the NOTCH ligand mDLL1.

Examples of systems, methods, and compositions for altering the expression of a target gene sequence by a CRISPR method, and which may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,697,359; 8,993,233; 8,795,965; 8,771,945; 8,889,356; 8,865,406; 8,999,641; 8,945,839; 8,932,814; 8,871,445; 8,906,616; and 8,895,308, which are incorporated by reference herein. Resources for carrying out CRISPR methods, such as plasmids for expressing CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR/Cpfl, are commercially available from companies such as GenScript.

In some embodiments, genetic modifications of populations of TILs, as described herein, may be performed using the CRISPR/Cpfl system as described in U.S. Patent No. U.S. Pat. No. 9,790,490, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The CRISPR/Cpfl system is functionally distinct from the CRISPR-Cas9 system in that Cpfl-associated CRISPR arrays are processed into mature crRNAs without the need for an additional tracrRNA. The crRNAs used in the CRISPR/Cpfl system have a spacer or guide sequence and a direct repeat sequence. The Cpflp-crRNA complex that is formed using this method is sufficient by itself to cleave the target DNA.

According to some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected         from a patient by processing a tumor sample obtained from the         patient into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (b) optionally adding the tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (c) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 and         optionally comprising OKT-3 and/or a 4-1BB agonist antibody for         about 3 to 11 days to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area;     -   (e) stimulating the second population of TILs by adding OKT-3         and culturing for about 1 to 3 days, wherein the transition from         step (d) to step (e) optionally occurs without opening the         system;     -   (f) sterile electroporating the second population of TILs to         effect transfer of at least one gene editor into a plurality of         cells in the second population of TILs;     -   (g) resting the second population of TILs for about 1 day;     -   (h) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, optionally OKT-3 antibody, optionally an OX40 antibody,         and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed         for about 7 to 11 days to obtain the third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (g) to step (h) optionally occurs without         opening the system;     -   (i) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from         step (h) to provide a harvested TIL population, wherein the         transition from step (h) to step (i) optionally occurs without         opening the system, wherein the harvested population of TILs is         a therapeutic population of TILs;     -   (j) transferring the harvested TIL population to an infusion         bag, wherein the transfer from step (i) to (j) optionally occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (k) optionally cryopreserving the harvested TIL population using         a cryopreservation medium, wherein the electroporation step         comprises the delivery of at least one gene editor system         selected from the group consisting of a Clustered Regularly         Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 system and a         CRISPR/Cpfl system, wherein the at least one gene editor reduces         the expression of CD39 and CD69.

According to some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected         from a patient by processing a tumor sample obtained from the         patient into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (b) optionally adding the tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (c) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 and         optionally comprising OKT-3 and/or a 4-1BB agonist antibody for         about 3 to 11 days to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area;     -   (e) stimulating the second population of TILs by adding OKT-3         and culturing for about 1 to 3 days to obtain the second         population of TILs, wherein the transition from step (d) to         step (e) optionally occurs without opening the system;     -   (f) sterile electroporating the second population of TILs to         effect transfer of at least one gene editor into a plurality of         cells in the second population of TILs;     -   (g) resting the second population of TILs for about 1 day;     -   (h) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, optionally OKT-3 antibody, optionally an OX40 antibody,         and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed         for about 7 to 11 days to obtain the third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (g) to step (h) optionally occurs without         opening the system;     -   (i) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from         step (h) to provide a harvested TIL population, wherein the         transition from step (h) to step (i) optionally occurs without         opening the system, wherein the harvested population of TILs is         a therapeutic population of TILs;     -   (j) transferring the harvested TIL population to an infusion         bag, wherein the transfer from step (i) to (j) optionally occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (k) optionally cryopreserving the harvested TIL population using         a cryopreservation medium, wherein the electroporation step         comprises the delivery of at least one gene editor system         selected from the group consisting of a Clustered Regularly         Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 system and a         CRISPR/Cpfl system, which at least one gene editor system         reduces the expression of CD39 and CD69.

b. TALE Methods

A method for expanding TILs into a therapeutic population may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A) or as described in PCT/US2017/058610, PCT/US2018/012605, or PCT/US2018/012633, wherein the method further comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs by a TALE method. According to particular embodiments, the use of a TALE method during the TIL expansion process causes expression of at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface, and optionally causes expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes to be silenced or reduced, in at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs. Alternatively, the use of a TALE method during the TIL expansion process causes expression of at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface, and optionally causes expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes to be enhanced, in at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs.

TALE stands for “Transcription Activator-Like Effector” proteins, which include TALENs (“Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases”). A method of using a TALE system for gene editing may also be referred to herein as a TALE method. TALEs are naturally occurring proteins from the plant pathogenic bacteria genus Xanthomonas, and contain DNA-binding domains composed of a series of 33-35-amino-acid repeat domains that each recognizes a single base pair. TALE specificity is determined by two hypervariable amino acids that are known as the repeat-variable di-residues (RVDs). Modular TALE repeats are linked together to recognize contiguous DNA sequences. A specific RVD in the DNA-binding domain recognizes a base in the target locus, providing a structural feature to assemble predictable DNA-binding domains. The DNA binding domains of a TALE are fused to the catalytic domain of a type IIS FokI endonuclease to make a targetable TALE nuclease. To induce site-specific mutation, two individual TALEN arms, separated by a 14-20 base pair spacer region, bring FokI monomers in close proximity to dimerize and produce a targeted double-strand break.

Several large, systematic studies utilizing various assembly methods have indicated that TALE repeats can be combined to recognize virtually any user-defined sequence. Strategies that enable the rapid assembly of custom TALE arrays include Golden Gate molecular cloning, high-throughput solid-phase assembly, and ligation-independent cloning techniques. Custom-designed TALE arrays are also commercially available through Cellectis Bioresearch (Paris, France), Transposagen Biopharmaceuticals (Lexington, KY, USA), and Life Technologies (Grand Island, NY, USA). Additionally web-based tools, such as TAL Effector-Nucleotide Target 2.0, are available that enable the design of custom TAL effector repeat arrays for desired targets and also provides predicted TAL effector binding sites. See Doyle, et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 2012, Vol. 40, W117-W122. Examples of TALE and TALEN methods suitable for use in the present invention are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2011/0201118 A1; US 2013/0117869 A1; US 2013/0315884 A1; US 2015/0203871 A1 and US 2016/0120906 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a TALE method comprises silencing or reducing the expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes by inhibiting or preventing transcription of the targeted gene(s). For example, a TALE method may include utilizing KRAB-TALEs, wherein the method comprises fusing a transcriptional Kruppel-associated box (KRAB) domain to a DNA binding domain that targets the gene's transcription start site, leading to the inhibition or prevention of transcription of the gene.

According to other embodiments, a TALE method comprises silencing or reducing the expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes by introducing mutations in the targeted gene(s). For example, a TALE method may include fusing a nuclease effector domain, such as Fokl, to the TALE DNA binding domain, resulting in a TALEN. Fokl is active as a dimer; hence, the method comprises constructing pairs of TALENs to position the FOKL nuclease domains to adjacent genomic target sites, where they introduce DNA double strand breaks. A double strand break may be completed following correct positioning and dimerization of Fokl. Once the double strand break is introduced, DNA repair can be achieved via two different mechanisms: the high-fidelity homologous recombination pair (HRR) (also known as homology-directed repair or HDR) or the error-prone non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Repair of double strand breaks via NHEJ preferably results in DNA target site deletions, insertions or substitutions, i.e., NHEJ typically leads to the introduction of small insertions and deletions at the site of the break, often inducing frameshifts that knockout gene function. According to particular embodiments, the TALEN pairs are targeted to the most 5′ exons of the genes, promoting early frame shift mutations or premature stop codons. The genetic mutation(s) introduced by TALEN are preferably permanent. Thus, according to some embodiments, the method comprises silencing or reducing expression of an immune checkpoint gene by utilizing dimerized TALENs to induce a site-specific double strand break that is repaired via error-prone NHEJ, leading to one or more mutations in the targeted immune checkpoint gene.

According to additional embodiments, TALENs are utilized to introduce genetic alterations via HRR, such as non-random point mutations, targeted deletion, or addition of DNA fragments. The introduction of DNA double strand breaks enables gene editing via homologous recombination in the presence of suitable donor DNA. According to some embodiments, the method comprises co-delivering dimerized TALENs and a donor plasmid bearing locus-specific homology arms to induce a site-specific double strand break and integrate one or more transgenes into the DNA.

According to other embodiments, a TALEN that is a hybrid protein derived from FokI and AvrXa7, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0201118, may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. This TALEN retains recognition specificity for target nucleotides of AvrXa7 and the double-stranded DNA cleaving activity of FokI. The same methods can be used to prepare other TALEN having different recognition specificity. For example, compact TALENs may be generated by engineering a core TALE scaffold having different sets of RVDs to change the DNA binding specificity and target a specific single dsDNA target sequence. See U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0117869. A selection of catalytic domains can be attached to the scaffold to effect DNA processing, which may be engineered to ensure that the catalytic domain is capable of processing DNA near the single dsDNA target sequence when fused to the core TALE scaffold. A peptide linker may also be engineered to fuse the catalytic domain to the scaffold to create a compact TALEN made of a single polypeptide chain that does not require dimerization to target a specific single dsDNA sequence. A core TALE scaffold may also be modified by fusing a catalytic domain, which may be a TAL monomer, to its N-terminus, allowing for the possibility that this catalytic domain might interact with another catalytic domain fused to another TAL monomer, thereby creating a catalytic entity likely to process DNA in the proximity of the target sequences. See U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0203871. This architecture allows only one DNA strand to be targeted, which is not an option for classical TALEN architectures.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, conventional RVDs may be used create TALENs that are capable of significantly reducing gene expression. In an embodiment, four RVDs, NI, HD, NN, and NG, are used to target adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine, respectively. These conventional RVDs can be used to, for instance, create TALENs targeting the PD-1 gene. Examples of TALENs using conventional RVDs include the T3v1 and T1 TALENs disclosed in Gautron et al., Molecular Therapy: NucleicAcids Dec. 2017, Vol. 9:312-321 (Gautron), which is incorporated by reference herein. The T3vi and T1 TALENs target the second exon of the PDCD1 locus where the PD-L1 binding site is located and are able to considerably reduce PD-1 production. In an embodiment, the T1 TALEN does so by using target SEQ ID NO:238 and the T3vi TALEN does so by using target SEQ ID NO:239.

According to other embodiments, TALENs are modified using non-conventional RVDs to improve their activity and specificity for a target gene, such as disclosed in Gautron. Naturally occurring RVDs only cover a small fraction of the potential diversity repertoire for the hypervariable amino acid locations. Non-conventional RVDs provide an alternative to natural RVDs and have novel intrinsic targeting specificity features that can be used to exclude the targeting of off-site targets (sequences within the genome that contain a few mismatches relative to the targeted sequence) by TALEN. Non-conventional RVDs may be identified by generating and screening collections of TALEN containing alternative combinations of amino acids at the two hypervariable amino acid locations at defined positions of an array as disclosed in Juillerat, et al., Scientific Reports 5, Article Number 8150 (2015), which is incorporated by reference herein. Next, non-conventional RVDs may be selected that discriminate between the nucleotides present at the position of mismatches, which can prevent TALEN activity at off-site sequences while still allowing appropriate processing of the target location. The selected non-conventional RVDs may then be used to replace the conventional RVDs in a TALEN. Examples of TALENs where conventional RVDs have been replaced by non-conventional RVDs include the T3v2 and T3v3 PD-1 TALENs produced by Gautron. These TALENs had increased specificity when compared to TALENs using conventional RVDs.

According to additional embodiments, TALEN may be utilized to introduce genetic alterations to silence or reduce the expression of two genes. For instance, two separate TALEN may be generated to target two different genes and then used together. The molecular events generated by the two TALEN at their respective loci and potential off-target sites may be characterized by high-throughput DNA sequencing. This enables the analysis of off-target sites and identification of the sites that might result from the use of both TALEN. Based on this information, appropriate conventional and non-conventional RVDs may be selected to engineer TALEN that have increased specificity and activity even when used together. For example, Gautron discloses the combined use of T3v4 PD-1 and TRAC TALEN to produce double knockout CAR T cells, which maintained a potent in vitro anti-tumor function.

In some embodiments, the method of Gautron or other methods described herein may be employed to genetically-edit TILs, which may then be expanded by any of the procedures described herein. In an embodiment, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises the steps of:

-   -   (a) activating a first population of TILs obtained from a tumor         resected from a patient using CD3 and CD28 activating beads or         antibodies for 1 to 5 days;     -   (b) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (c) gene-editing at least a portion of the first population of         TILs using electroporation of transcription activator-like         effector nucleases to obtain a second population of TILs,         wherein the gene-editing reduces CD39 and CD69 in the portion of         the cells of the second population of TILs;     -   (d) optionally incubating the second population of TILs;     -   (e) performing a first expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, and         optionally OKT-3, to produce a third population of TILs, wherein         the first expansion is performed in a closed container providing         a first gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion         is performed for about 3 to 14 days to obtain the third         population of TILs;     -   (f) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the third population of TILs with additional         IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a         fourth population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is         performed for about 7 to 14 days to obtain the fourth population         of TILs, wherein the fourth population of TILs is a therapeutic         population of TILs;     -   (g) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from         step (f);     -   (h) transferring the harvested TIL population from step (g) to         an infusion bag, wherein the transfer from step (f) to (g)         optionally occurs without opening the system; and     -   (i) optionally wherein one or more of steps (a) to (h) are         performed in a closed, sterile system.

In some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises the steps of

-   -   (a) activating a first population of TILs obtained from a tumor         resected from a patient using CD3 and CD28 activating beads or         antibodies for 1 to 5 days;     -   (b) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (c) gene-editing at least a portion of the first population of         TILs using electroporation of transcription activator-like         effector nucleases in cytoporation medium to obtain a second         population of TILs, wherein the gene-editing reduces the         expression of CD39 and CD69 in the portion of the cells of the         second population of TILs;     -   (d) optionally incubating the second population of TILs;     -   (e) performing a first expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, and         optionally OKT-3, to produce a third population of TILs, wherein         the first expansion is performed in a closed container providing         a first gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion         is performed for about 6 to 9 days to obtain the third         population of TILs;     -   (f) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the third population of TILs with additional         IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a         fourth population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is         performed for about 9 to 11 days to obtain the fourth population         of TILs, wherein the fourth population of TILs is a therapeutic         population of TILs;     -   (g) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from         step (f);     -   (h) transferring the harvested TIL population from step (f) to         an infusion bag, wherein the transfer from step (f) to (g)         optionally occurs without opening the system; and     -   (i) wherein one or more of steps (a) to (h) are performed in a         closed, sterile system.

In some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises the steps of:

-   -   (a) activating a first population of TILs obtained from a tumor         resected from a patient using CD3 and CD28 activating beads or         antibodies for 1 to 5 days;     -   (b) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (c) gene-editing at least a portion of the first population of         TILs using electroporation of transcription activator-like         effector nucleases in cytoporation medium to obtain a second         population of TILs, wherein the gene-editing reduces the         expression of CD39 and CD69 in the portion of the cells of the         second population of TILs;     -   (d) optionally incubating the second population of TILs, wherein         the incubation is performed at about 30-40° C. with about 5%         C02;     -   (e) performing a first expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, and         optionally OKT-3, to produce a third population of TILs, wherein         the first expansion is performed in a closed container providing         a first gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion         is performed for about 6 to 9 days to obtain the third         population of TILs;     -   (f) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the third population of TILs with additional         IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a         fourth population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is         performed for about 9 to 11 days to obtain the fourth population         of TILs, wherein the fourth population of TILs is a therapeutic         population of TILs;     -   (g) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from         step (f);     -   (h) transferring the harvested TIL population from step (f) to         an infusion bag, wherein the transfer from step (f) to (g)         optionally occurs without opening the system; and     -   (i) optionally wherein one or more of steps (a) to (h) are         performed in a closed, sterile system.

According to other embodiments, TALENs may be specifically designed, which allows higher rates of DSB events within the target cell(s) that are able to target a specific selection of genes. See U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0315884. The use of such rare cutting endonucleases increases the chances of obtaining double inactivation of target genes in transfected cells, allowing for the production of engineered cells, such as T-cells. Further, additional catalytic domains can be introduced with the TALEN to increase mutagenesis and enhance target gene inactivation. The TALENs described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0315884 were successfully used to engineer T-cells to make them suitable for immunotherapy. TALENs may also be used to inactivate various immune checkpoint genes in T-cells, including the inactivation of at least two genes in a single T-cell.

See U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016/0120906. Additionally, TALENs may be used to inactivate genes encoding targets for immunosuppressive agents and T-cell receptors, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018/0021379, which is incorporated by reference herein. Further, TALENs may be used to inhibit the expression of beta 2-microglobulin (B2M) and/or class II major histocompatibility complex transactivator (CIITA), as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0010514, which is incorporated by reference herein.

Non-limiting examples of genes that may be silenced or inhibited by permanently gene-editing TILs via a TALE method include CD39, CD69, PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, HAVCR2 (TIM-3), Cish, TGFβ, PKA, CBL-B, PPP2CA, PPP2CB, PTPN6, PTPN22, PDCD1, BTLA, CD160, TIGIT, TET2, CD96, CRTAM, LAIR1, SIGLEC7, SIGLEC9, CD244, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF10A, CASP8, CASP10, CASP3, CASP6, CASP7, FADD, FAS, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, SMAD10, SKI, SKIL, TGIF1, IL10RA, IL10RB, HMOX2, IL6R, IL6ST, EIF2AK4, CSK, PAGI, SIT1, FOXP3, PRDM1, BATF, GUCY1A2, GUCY1A3, GUCYlB2, and GUCYlB3.

Non-limiting examples of TALE-nucleases targeting the PD-1 gene are provided in the following table. In these examples, the targeted genomic sequences contain two 17-base pair (bp) long sequences (referred to as half targets, shown in upper case letters) separated by a 15-bp spacer (shown in lower case letters). Each half target is recognized by repeats of half TALE-nucleases listed in the table. Thus, according to particular embodiments, TALE-nucleases according to the invention recognize and cleave the target sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 238 and SEQ ID NO: 239.

TALEN sequences and gene-editing methods are also described in Gautron, discussed above.

TABLE 44 TALEN PD-1 Sequences. TALEN PD-1 No. 1 Sequences Target PD-1 Sequence TTCTCCCCAGCCCTGCT cgtggtgaccgaagg GGACAACGCCACCTTCA (SEQ ID NO: 238) Repeat PD-1-left LTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASH (SEQ ID NO: 240) DGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQ RLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHG LTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASH DGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQ RLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNIGGKQALETVQALLPVLCQAHGL TPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASH DGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQ RLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHG LTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIAS NNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETV QRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGRPALE Repeat PD-1-right LTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNIGGKQAL (SEQ ID NO: 241) ETVQALLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNIGGKQALETVQALLPVLCQAHGLTPQ QVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQ RLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVA IASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLP VLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNN GGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQA HGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQ ALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLT PEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGRPALE PD-1-left TALEN ATGGGCGATCCTAAAAAGAAACGTAAGGTCATCGATTACCCATACGATGTTCC (SEQ ID NO: 244) AGATTACGCTATCGATATCGCCGATCTACGCACGCTCGGCTACAGCCAGCAGC AACAGGAGAAGATCAAACCGAAGGTTCGTTCGACAGTGGCGCAGCACCACGAG GCACTGGTCGGCCACGGGTTTACACACGCGCACATCGTTGCGTTAAGCCAACA CCCGGCAGCGTTAGGGACCGTCGCTGTCAAGTATCAGGACATGATCGCAGCGT TGCCAGAGGCGACACACGAAGCGATCGTTGGCGTCGGCAAACAGTGGTCCGGC GCACGCGCTCTGGAGGCCTTGCTCACGGTGGCGGGAGAGTTGAGAGGTCCACC GTTACAGTTGGACACAGGCCAACTTCTCAAGATTGCAAAACGTGGCGGCGTGA CCGCAGTGGAGGCAGTGCATGCATGGCGCAATGCACTGACGGGTGCCCCGCTC AACTTGACCCCCCAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCAATGGCGGTGGCAAGCA GGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCT TGACCCCGGAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCCACGATGGCGGCAAGCAGGCG CTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGAC CCCCCAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCAATGGCGGTGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGG AGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCG GAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCCACGATGGCGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGAC GGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCGGAGC AGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCCACGATGGCGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTC CAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCGGAGCAGGT GGTGGCCATCGCCAGCCACGATGGCGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGC GGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCGGAGCAGGTGGTG GCCATCGCCAGCCACGATGGCGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCT GTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCGGAGCAGGTGGTGGCCA TCGCCAGCAATATTGGTGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTGCAGGCGCTGTTG CCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCCCAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGC CAGCAATAATGGTGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGG TGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCGGAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGC CACGATGGCGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCT GTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCGGAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCCACG ATGGCGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGC CAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCGGAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCCACGATGG CGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGG CCCACGGCTTGACCCCCCAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCAATGGCGGTGGC AAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCA CGGCTTGACCCCCCAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCAATAATGGTGGCAAGC AGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGC TTGACCCCGGAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCCACGATGGCGGCAAGCAGGC GCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGA CCCCTCAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCAATGGCGGCGGCAGGCCGGCGCTG GAGAGCATTGTTGCCCAGTTATCTCGCCCTGATCCGGCGTTGGCCGCGTTGAC CAACGACCACCTCGTCGCCTTGGCCTGCCTCGGCGGGCGTCCTGCGCTGGATG CAGTGAAAAAGGGATTGGGGGATCCTATCAGCCGTTCCCAGCTGGTGAAGTCC GAGCTGGAGGAGAAGAAATCCGAGTTGAGGCACAAGCTGAAGTACGTGCCCCA CGAGTACATCGAGCTGATCGAGATCGCCCGGAACAGCACCCAGGACCGTATCC TGGAGATGAAGGTGATGGAGTTCTTCATGAAGGTGTACGGCTACAGGGGCAAG CACCTGGGCGGCTCCAGGAAGCCCGACGGCGCCATCTACACCGTGGGCTCCCC CATCGACTACGGCGTGATCGTGGACACCAAGGCCTACTCCGGCGGCTACAACC TGCCCATCGGCCAGGCCGACGAAATGCAGAGGTACGTGGAGGAGAACCAGACC AGGAACAAGCACATCAACCCCAACGAGTGGTGGAAGGTGTACCCCTCCAGCGT GACCGAGTTCAAGTTCCTGTTCGTGTCCGGCCACTTCAAGGGCAACTACAAGG CCCAGCTGACCAGGCTGAACCACATCACCAACTGCAACGGCGCCGTGCTGTCC GTGGAGGAGCTCCTGATCGGCGGCGAGATGATCAAGGCCGGCACCCTGACCCT GGAGGAGGTGAGGAGGAAGTTCAACAACGGCGAGATCAACTTCGCGGCCGACT GATAA PD-1-right TALEN ATGGGCGATCCTAAAAAGAAACGTAAGGTCATCGATAAGGAGACCGCCGCTGC (SEQ ID NO: 245) CAAGTTCGAGAGACAGCACATGGACAGCATCGATATCGCCGATCTACGCACGC TCGGCTACAGCCAGCAGCAACAGGAGAAGATCAAACCGAAGGTTCGTTCGACA GTGGCGCAGCACCACGAGGCACTGGTCGGCCACGGGTTTACACACGCGCACAT CGTTGCGTTAAGCCAACACCCGGCAGCGTTAGGGACCGTCGCTGTCAAGTATC AGGACATGATCGCAGCGTTGCCAGAGGCGACACACGAAGCGATCGTTGGCGTC GGCAAACAGTGGTCCGGCGCACGCGCTCTGGAGGCCTTGCTCACGGTGGCGGG AGAGTTGAGAGGTCCACCGTTACAGTTGGACACAGGCCAACTTCTCAAGATTG CAAAACGTGGCGGCGTGACCGCAGTGGAGGCAGTGCATGCATGGCGCAATGCA CTGACGGGTGCCCCGCTCAACTTGACCCCCCAGCAAGTCGTCGCAATCGCCAG CAATAACGGAGGGAAGCAAGCCCTCGAAACCGTGCAGCGGTTGCTTCCTGTGC TCTGCCAGGCCCACGGCCTTACCCCTGAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCAAGTAAC ATTGGAGGAAAGCAAGCCTTGGAGACAGTGCAGGCCCTGTTGCCCGTGCTGTG CCAGGCACACGGCCTCACACCAGAGCAGGTCGTGGCCATTGCCTCCAACATCG GGGGGAAACAGGCTCTGGAGACCGTCCAGGCCCTGCTGCCCGTCCTCTGTCAA GCTCACGGCCTGACTCCCCAACAAGTGGTCGCCATCGCCTCTAATAACGGCGG GAAGCAGGCACTGGAAACAGTGCAGAGACTGCTCCCTGTGCTTTGCCAAGCTC ATGGGTTGACCCCCCAACAGGTCGTCGCTATTGCCTCAAACAACGGGGGCAAG CAGGCCCTTGAGACTGTGCAGAGGCTGTTGCCAGTGCTGTGTCAGGCTCACGG GCTCACTCCACAACAGGTGGTCGCAATTGCCAGCAACGGCGGCGGAAAGCAAG CTCTTGAAACCGTGCAACGCCTCCTGCCCGTGCTCTGTCAGGCTCATGGCCTG ACACCACAACAAGTCGTGGCCATCGCCAGTAATAATGGCGGGAAACAGGCTCT TGAGACCGTCCAGAGGCTGCTCCCAGTGCTCTGCCAGGCACACGGGCTGACCC CCCAGCAGGTGGTGGCTATCGCCAGCAATAATGGGGGCAAGCAGGCCCTGGAA ACAGTCCAGCGCCTGCTGCCAGTGCTTTGCCAGGCTCACGGGCTCACTCCCGA ACAGGTCGTGGCAATCGCCTCCAACGGAGGGAAGCAGGCTCTGGAGACCGTGC AGAGACTGCTGCCCGTCTTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGACTCACACCTCAGCAGGTC GTCGCCATTGCCTCTAACAACGGGGGCAAACAAGCCCTGGAGACAGTGCAGCG GCTGTTGCCTGTGTTGTGCCAAGCCCACGGCTTGACTCCTCAACAAGTGGTCG CCATCGCCTCAAATGGCGGCGGAAAACAAGCTCTGGAGACAGTGCAGAGGTTG CTGCCCGTCCTCTGCCAAGCCCACGGCCTGACTCCCCAACAGGTCGTCGCCAT TGCCAGCAACGGCGGAGGAAAGCAGGCTCTCGAAACTGTGCAGCGGCTGCTTC CTGTGCTGTGTCAGGCTCATGGGCTGACCCCCCAGCAAGTGGTGGCTATTGCC TCTAACAATGGAGGCAAGCAAGCCCTTGAGACAGTCCAGAGGCTGTTGCCAGT GCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGGCTCACACCCCAGCAGGTGGTCGCCATCGCCAGTA ACGGCGGGGGCAAACAGGCATTGGAAACCGTCCAGCGCCTGCTTCCAGTGCTC TGCCAGGCACACGGACTGACACCCGAACAGGTGGTGGCCATTGCATCCCATGA TGGGGGCAAGCAGGCCCTGGAGACCGTGCAGAGACTCCTGCCAGTGTTGTGCC AAGCTCACGGCCTCACCCCTCAGCAAGTCGTGGCCATCGCCTCAAACGGGGGG GGCCGGCCTGCACTGGAGAGCATTGTTGCCCAGTTATCTCGCCCTGATCCGGC GTTGGCCGCGTTGACCAACGACCACCTCGTCGCCTTGGCCTGCCTCGGCGGGC GTCCTGCGCTGGATGCAGTGAAAAAGGGATTGGGGGATCCTATCAGCCGTTCC CAGCTGGTGAAGTCCGAGCTGGAGGAGAAGAAATCCGAGTTGAGGCACAAGCT GAAGTACGTGCCCCACGAGTACATCGAGCTGATCGAGATCGCCCGGAACAGCA CCCAGGACCGTATCCTGGAGATGAAGGTGATGGAGTTCTTCATGAAGGTGTAC GGCTACAGGGGCAAGCACCTGGGCGGCTCCAGGAAGCCCGACGGCGCCATCTA CACCGTGGGCTCCCCCATCGACTACGGCGTGATCGTGGACACCAAGGCCTACT CCGGCGGCTACAACCTGCCCATCGGCCAGGCCGACGAAATGCAGAGGTACGTG GAGGAGAACCAGACCAGGAACAAGCACATCAACCCCAACGAGTGGTGGAAGGT GTACCCCTCCAGCGTGACCGAGTTCAAGTTCCTGTTCGTGTCCGGCCACTTCA AGGGCAACTACAAGGCCCAGCTGACCAGGCTGAACCACATCACCAACTGCAAC GGCGCCGTGCTGTCCGTGGAGGAGCTCCTGATCGGCGGCGAGATGATCAAGGC CGGCACCCTGACCCTGGAGGAGGTGAGGAGGAAGTTCAACAACGGCGAGATCA ACTTCGCGGCCGACTGATAA TALEN PD-1 No. 2 Sequences Target PD-1 TACCTCTGTGGGGCCATctccctggcccccaaGGCGCAGATCAAAGAGA Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 239 Repeat PD-1-left LTPEQVVAIASNIGGKQALETVQALLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQAL (SEQ ID NO: 242) ETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQ QVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQ RLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVA IASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLP VLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASN NGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQ AHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGK QALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGL TPEQVVAIASNIGGKQALETVQALLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGRPALE Repeat PD-1-right LTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQAL (SEQ ID NO: 243) ETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQ QVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQ RLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVA IASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNIGGKQALETVQALLP VLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASH DGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQ AHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPEQVVAIASNGGKQ ALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNNGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLT PEQVVAIASHDGGKQALETVQRLLPVLCQAHGLTPQQVVAIASNGGGRPALE PD-1-left TALEN ATGGGCGATCCTAAAAAGAAACGTAAGGTCATCGATTACCCATACGATGTTCC (SEQ ID NO: 246) AGATTACGCTATCGATATCGCCGATCTACGCACGCTCGGCTACAGCCAGCAGC AACAGGAGAAGATCAAACCGAAGGTTCGTTCGACAGTGGCGCAGCACCACGAG GCACTGGTCGGCCACGGGTTTACACACGCGCACATCGTTGCGTTAAGCCAACA CCCGGCAGCGTTAGGGACCGTCGCTGTCAAGTATCAGGACATGATCGCAGCGT TGCCAGAGGCGACACACGAAGCGATCGTTGGCGTCGGCAAACAGTGGTCCGGC GCACGCGCTCTGGAGGCCTTGCTCACGGTGGCGGGAGAGTTGAGAGGTCCACC GTTACAGTTGGACACAGGCCAACTTCTCAAGATTGCAAAACGTGGCGGCGTGA CCGCAGTGGAGGCAGTGCATGCATGGCGCAATGCACTGACGGGTGCCCCGCTC AACTTGACCCCGGAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCAATATTGGTGGCAAGCA GGCGCTGGAGACGGTGCAGGCGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCT TGACCCCGGAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCCACGATGGCGGCAAGCAGGCG CTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGAC CCCGGAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCCACGATGGCGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGG AGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCC CAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCAATGGCGGTGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGAC GGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCGGAGC AGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCCACGATGGCGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTC CAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCCCAGCAGGT GGTGGCCATCGCCAGCAATGGCGGTGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGC GGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCCCAGCAGGTGGTG GCCATCGCCAGCAATAATGGTGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCT GTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCCCAGCAGGTGGTGGCCA TCGCCAGCAATGGCGGTGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTG CCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCCCAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGC CAGCAATAATGGTGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGG TGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCCCAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGC AATAATGGTGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCT GTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCCCAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCAATA ATGGTGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGC CAGGCCCACGGCTTGACCCCCCAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCAATAATGG TGGCAAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGG CCCACGGCTTGACCCCGGAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCCACGATGGCGGC AAGCAGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCA CGGCTTGACCCCGGAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCCACGATGGCGGCAAGC AGGCGCTGGAGACGGTCCAGCGGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGC TTGACCCCGGAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCAATATTGGTGGCAAGCAGGC GCTGGAGACGGTGCAGGCGCTGTTGCCGGTGCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGCTTGA CCCCTCAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCCAGCAATGGCGGCGGCAGGCCGGCGCTG GAGAGCATTGTTGCCCAGTTATCTCGCCCTGATCCGGCGTTGGCCGCGTTGAC CAACGACCACCTCGTCGCCTTGGCCTGCCTCGGCGGGCGTCCTGCGCTGGATG CAGTGAAAAAGGGATTGGGGGATCCTATCAGCCGTTCCCAGCTGGTGAAGTCC GAGCTGGAGGAGAAGAAATCCGAGTTGAGGCACAAGCTGAAGTACGTGCCCCA CGAGTACATCGAGCTGATCGAGATCGCCCGGAACAGCACCCAGGACCGTATCC TGGAGATGAAGGTGATGGAGTTCTTCATGAAGGTGTACGGCTACAGGGGCAAG CACCTGGGCGGCTCCAGGAAGCCCGACGGCGCCATCTACACCGTGGGCTCCCC CATCGACTACGGCGTGATCGTGGACACCAAGGCCTACTCCGGCGGCTACAACC TGCCCATCGGCCAGGCCGACGAAATGCAGAGGTACGTGGAGGAGAACCAGACC AGGAACAAGCACATCAACCCCAACGAGTGGTGGAAGGTGTACCCCTCCAGCGT GACCGAGTTCAAGTTCCTGTTCGTGTCCGGCCACTTCAAGGGCAACTACAAGG CCCAGCTGACCAGGCTGAACCACATCACCAACTGCAACGGCGCCGTGCTGTCC GTGGAGGAGCTCCTGATCGGCGGCGAGATGATCAAGGCCGGCACCCTGACCCT GGAGGAGGTGAGGAGGAAGTTCAACAACGGCGAGATCAACTTCGCGGCCGACT GATAA PD-1-right TALEN ATGGGCGATCCTAAAAAGAAACGTAAGGTCATCGATAAGGAGACCGCCGCTGC (SEQ ID NO: 247) CAAGTTCGAGAGACAGCACATGGACAGCATCGATATCGCCGATCTACGCACGC TCGGCTACAGCCAGCAGCAACAGGAGAAGATCAAACCGAAGGTTCGTTCGACA GTGGCGCAGCACCACGAGGCACTGGTCGGCCACGGGTTTACACACGCGCACAT CGTTGCGTTAAGCCAACACCCGGCAGCGTTAGGGACCGTCGCTGTCAAGTATC AGGACATGATCGCAGCGTTGCCAGAGGCGACACACGAAGCGATCGTTGGCGTC GGCAAACAGTGGTCCGGCGCACGCGCTCTGGAGGCCTTGCTCACGGTGGCGGG AGAGTTGAGAGGTCCACCGTTACAGTTGGACACAGGCCAACTTCTCAAGATTG CAAAACGTGGCGGCGTGACCGCAGTGGAGGCAGTGCATGCATGGCGCAATGCA CTGACGGGTGCCCCGCTCAACTTGACCCCCGAGCAAGTCGTCGCAATCGCCAG CCATGATGGAGGGAAGCAAGCCCTCGAAACCGTGCAGCGGTTGCTTCCTGTGC TCTGCCAGGCCCACGGCCTTACCCCTCAGCAGGTGGTGGCCATCGCAAGTAAC GGAGGAGGAAAGCAAGCCTTGGAGACAGTGCAGCGCCTGTTGCCCGTGCTGTG CCAGGCACACGGCCTCACACCAGAGCAGGTCGTGGCCATTGCCTCCCATGACG GGGGGAAACAGGCTCTGGAGACCGTCCAGAGGCTGCTGCCCGTCCTCTGTCAA GCTCACGGCCTGACTCCCCAACAAGTGGTCGCCATCGCCTCTAATGGCGGCGG GAAGCAGGCACTGGAAACAGTGCAGAGACTGCTCCCTGTGCTTTGCCAAGCTC ATGGGTTGACCCCCCAACAGGTCGTCGCTATTGCCTCAAACGGGGGGGGCAAG CAGGCCCTTGAGACTGTGCAGAGGCTGTTGCCAGTGCTGTGTCAGGCTCACGG GCTCACTCCACAACAGGTGGTCGCAATTGCCAGCAACGGCGGCGGAAAGCAAG CTCTTGAAACCGTGCAACGCCTCCTGCCCGTGCTCTGTCAGGCTCATGGCCTG ACACCACAACAAGTCGTGGCCATCGCCAGTAATAATGGCGGGAAACAGGCTCT TGAGACCGTCCAGAGGCTGCTCCCAGTGCTCTGCCAGGCACACGGGCTGACCC CCGAGCAGGTGGTGGCTATCGCCAGCAATATTGGGGGCAAGCAGGCCCTGGAA ACAGTCCAGGCCCTGCTGCCAGTGCTTTGCCAGGCTCACGGGCTCACTCCCCA GCAGGTCGTGGCAATCGCCTCCAACGGCGGAGGGAAGCAGGCTCTGGAGACCG TGCAGAGACTGCTGCCCGTCTTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGACTCACACCTGAACAG GTCGTCGCCATTGCCTCTCACGATGGGGGCAAACAAGCCCTGGAGACAGTGCA GCGGCTGTTGCCTGTGTTGTGCCAAGCCCACGGCTTGACTCCTCAACAAGTGG TCGCCATCGCCTCAAATGGCGGCGGAAAACAAGCTCTGGAGACAGTGCAGAGG TTGCTGCCCGTCCTCTGCCAAGCCCACGGCCTGACTCCCCAACAGGTCGTCGC CATTGCCAGCAACAACGGAGGAAAGCAGGCTCTCGAAACTGTGCAGCGGCTGC TTCCTGTGCTGTGTCAGGCTCATGGGCTGACCCCCGAGCAAGTGGTGGCTATT GCCTCTAATGGAGGCAAGCAAGCCCTTGAGACAGTCCAGAGGCTGTTGCCAGT GCTGTGCCAGGCCCACGGGCTCACACCCCAGCAGGTGGTCGCCATCGCCAGTA ACAACGGGGGCAAACAGGCATTGGAAACCGTCCAGCGCCTGCTTCCAGTGCTC TGCCAGGCACACGGACTGACACCCGAACAGGTGGTGGCCATTGCATCCCATGA TGGGGGCAAGCAGGCCCTGGAGACCGTGCAGAGACTCCTGCCAGTGTTGTGCC AAGCTCACGGCCTCACCCCTCAGCAAGTCGTGGCCATCGCCTCAAACGGGGGG GGCCGGCCTGCACTGGAGAGCATTGTTGCCCAGTTATCTCGCCCTGATCCGGC GTTGGCCGCGTTGACCAACGACCACCTCGTCGCCTTGGCCTGCCTCGGCGGGC GTCCTGCGCTGGATGCAGTGAAAAAGGGATTGGGGGATCCTATCAGCCGTTCC CAGCTGGTGAAGTCCGAGCTGGAGGAGAAGAAATCCGAGTTGAGGCACAAGCT GAAGTACGTGCCCCACGAGTACATCGAGCTGATCGAGATCGCCCGGAACAGCA CCCAGGACCGTATCCTGGAGATGAAGGTGATGGAGTTCTTCATGAAGGTGTAC GGCTACAGGGGCAAGCACCTGGGCGGCTCCAGGAAGCCCGACGGCGCCATCTA CACCGTGGGCTCCCCCATCGACTACGGCGTGATCGTGGACACCAAGGCCTACT CCGGCGGCTACAACCTGCCCATCGGCCAGGCCGACGAAATGCAGAGGTACGTG GAGGAGAACCAGACCAGGAACAAGCACATCAACCCCAACGAGTGGTGGAAGGT GTACCCCTCCAGCGTGACCGAGTTCAAGTTCCTGTTCGTGTCCGGCCACTTCA AGGGCAACTACAAGGCCCAGCTGACCAGGCTGAACCACATCACCAACTGCAAC GGCGCCGTGCTGTCCGTGGAGGAGCTCCTGATCGGCGGCGAGATGATCAAGGC CGGCACCCTGACCCTGGAGGAGGTGAGGAGGAAGTTCAACAACGGCGAGATCA ACTTCGCGGCCGACTGATAA

In some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs further comprises the steps of:

-   -   (a) gene-editing at least a portion of a first population of         TILs, wherein the gene-editing comprises using electroporation         of transcription activator-like effector nucleases targeting         CD39 and CD69 in cytoporation medium to obtain a second         population of TILs, and wherein the gene-editing reduces the         expression of CD39 and CD69 in the portion of the cells of the         second population of TILs;     -   (b) optionally incubating the second population of TILs, wherein         the incubation is performed at about 30-40° C. with about 5%         CO2;     -   (c) performing a first expansion by culturing the second         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, and         optionally OKT-3, to produce a third population of TILs, wherein         the first expansion is performed in a closed container providing         a first gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion         is performed for about 6 to 9 days to obtain the third         population of TILs;     -   (d) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the third population of TILs with additional         IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a         fourth population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is         performed for about 9 to 11 days to obtain the fourth population         of TILs, wherein the fourth population of TILs is a therapeutic         population of TILs;     -   (e) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from         step (d);     -   (f) transferring the harvested TIL population from step (f) to         an infusion bag, wherein the transfer from step (d) to (e)         optionally occurs without opening the system; and     -   (g) optionally wherein one or more of steps (a) to (f) are         performed in a closed, sterile system.

In some embodiments, the at least one immunomodulatory composition comprises a cytokine fused to a membrance anchor. In some embodiments, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of IL-12, IL-15, IL-18 and IL-21.

Other non-limiting examples of genes that may be enhanced by permanently gene-editing TILs via a TALE method include CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CX3CR1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, IL-21, the NOTCH 1/2 intracellular domain (ICD), and/or the NOTCH ligand mDLL1.

Examples of systems, methods, and compositions for altering the expression of a target gene sequence by a TALE method, and which may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,586,526, which is incorporated by reference herein. These disclosed examples include the use of a non-naturally occurring DNA-binding polypeptide that has two or more TALE-repeat units containing a repeat RVD, an N-cap polypeptide made of residues of a TALE protein, and a C-cap polypeptide made of a fragment of a full-length C-terminus region of a TALE protein.

Examples of TALEN designs and design strategies, activity assessments, screening strategies, and methods that can be used to efficiently perform TALEN-mediated gene integration and inactivation, and which may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, are described in Valton, et al., Methods, 2014, 69, 151-170, which is incorporated by reference herein.

According to some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected         from a patient by processing a tumor sample obtained from the         patient into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (b) adding the tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (c) performing a pre-expansion stimulation with IFN-γ and PD-1         (and optionally CD40L and/or anti-CTLA-4);     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 and         optionally comprising OKT-3 and/or a 4-1BB agonist antibody for         about 3 to 11 days to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area;     -   (e) stimulating the second population of TILs by adding OKT-3         and culturing for about 1 to 3 days, and wherein the transition         from step (d) to step (e) optionally occurs without opening the         system;     -   (f) sterile electroporating the second population of TILs to         effect transfer of at least one gene editor into a plurality of         cells in the second population of TILs;     -   (g) resting the second population of TILs for about 1 day;     -   (h) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, optionally OKT-3 antibody, optionally an OX40 antibody,         and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed         for about 7 to 11 days to obtain the third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (f) to step (g) optionally occurs without         opening the system;     -   (i) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from         step (h) to provide a harvested TIL population, wherein the         transition from step (h) to step (i) optionally occurs without         opening the system, wherein the harvested population of TILs is         a therapeutic population of TILs;     -   (j) transferring the harvested TIL population to an infusion         bag, wherein the transfer from step (i) to (j) optionally occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (k) optionally cryopreserving the harvested TIL population using         a cryopreservation medium, wherein the electroporation step         comprises the delivery of a TALE nuclease system that reduces         the expression of CD39 and CD69.

c. Zinc Finger Methods

A method for expanding TILs into a therapeutic population may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A) or as described in PCT/US2017/058610, PCT/US2018/012605, or PCT/US2018/012633, wherein the method further comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs by a zinc finger or zinc finger nuclease method. According to particular embodiments, the use of a zinc finger method during the TIL expansion process causes expression of at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface, and optionally causes expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes to be silenced or reduced in at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs. Alternatively, the use of a zinc finger method during the TIL expansion process causes expression of at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface, and optionally causes expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes to be enhanced in at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs.

An individual zinc finger contains approximately 30 amino acids in a conserved ββα configuration. Several amino acids on the surface of the a-helix typically contact 3 bp in the major groove of DNA, with varying levels of selectivity. Zinc fingers have two protein domains. The first domain is the DNA binding domain, which includes eukaryotic transcription factors and contain the zinc finger. The second domain is the nuclease domain, which includes the FokI restriction enzyme and is responsible for the catalytic cleavage of DNA.

The DNA-binding domains of individual ZFNs typically contain between three and six individual zinc finger repeats and can each recognize between 9 and 18 base pairs. If the zinc finger domains are specific for their intended target site then even a pair of 3-finger ZFNs that recognize a total of 18 base pairs can, in theory, target a single locus in a mammalian genome. One method to generate new zinc-finger arrays is to combine smaller zinc-finger “modules” of known specificity. The most common modular assembly process involves combining three separate zinc fingers that can each recognize a 3 base pair DNA sequence to generate a 3-finger array that can recognize a 9 base pair target site.

Alternatively, selection-based approaches, such as oligomerized pool engineering (OPEN) can be used to select for new zinc-finger arrays from randomized libraries that take into consideration context-dependent interactions between neighboring fingers. Engineered zinc fingers are available commercially; Sangamo Biosciences (Richmond, CA, USA) has developed a propriety platform (CompoZr®) for zinc-finger construction in partnership with Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA).

Non-limiting examples of genes that may be silenced or inhibited by permanently gene-editing TILs via a zinc finger method include PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, HAVCR2 (TIM-3), Cish, TGFβ, PKA, CBL-B, PPP2CA, PPP2CB, PTPN6, PTPN22, PDCD1, BTLA, CD160, TIGIT, TET2, CD96, CRTAM, LAIRI, SIGLEC7, SIGLEC9, CD244, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF10A, CASP8, CASP10, CASP3, CASP6, CASP7, FADD, FAS, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, SMAD10, SKI, SKIL, TGIF1, IL10RA, IL10RB, HMOX2, IL6R, IL6ST, EIF2AK4, CSK, PAGI, SIT1, FOXP3, PRDM1, BATF, GUCY1A2, GUCY1A3, GUCYlB2, and GUCYlB3.

Non-limiting examples of genes that may be enhanced by permanently gene-editing TILs via a zinc finger method include CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CX3CR1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, IL-21, the NOTCH 1/2 intracellular domain (ICD), and/or the NOTCH ligand mDLL1.

Examples of systems, methods, and compositions for altering the expression of a target gene sequence by a zinc finger method, which may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,534,261, 6,607,882, 6,746,838, 6,794,136, 6,824,978, 6,866,997, 6,933,113, 6,979,539, 7,013,219, 7,030,215, 7,220,719, 7,241,573, 7,241,574, 7,585,849, 7,595,376, 6,903,185, and 6,479,626, which are incorporated by reference herein.

Other examples of systems, methods, and compositions for altering the expression of a target gene sequence by a zinc finger method, which may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, are described in Beane, et al., Mol. Therapy, 2015, 23 1380-1390, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

According to some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected         from a patient by processing a tumor sample obtained from the         patient into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (b) adding the tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (c) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 and         optionally comprising OKT-3 and/or a 4-1BB agonist antibody for         about 3 to 11 days to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area;     -   (e) stimulating the second population of TILs by adding OKT-3         and culturing for about 1 to 3 days to obtain the second         population of TILs, wherein the transition from step (d) to         step (e) optionally occurs without opening the system;     -   (f) sterile electroporating the second population of TILs to         effect transfer of at least one gene editor into a plurality of         cells in the second population of TILs;     -   (g) resting the second population of TILs for about 1 day;     -   (h) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, optionally OKT-3 antibody, optionally an OX40 antibody,         and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed         for about 7 to 11 days to obtain the third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (g) to step (h) optionally occurs without         opening the system;     -   (i) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from         step (h) to provide a harvested TIL population, wherein the         transition from step (h) to step (i) optionally occurs without         opening the system, wherein the harvested population of TILs is         a therapeutic population of TILs;     -   (j) transferring the harvested TIL population to an infusion         bag, wherein the transfer from step (i) to (j) optionally occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (k) optionally cryopreserving the harvested TIL population using         a cryopreservation medium, wherein the electroporation step         comprises the delivery of a zinc finger nuclease system that         reduces the expression of CD39 and CD69.

According to some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected         from a patient by processing a tumor sample obtained from the         patient into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (b) adding the tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (c) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 and         optionally comprising OKT-3 and/or a 4-1BB agonist antibody for         about 3 to 11 days to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area;     -   (e) stimulating the second population of TILs by adding OKT-3         and culturing for about 1 to 3 days, wherein the transition from         step (d) to step (e) optionally occurs without opening the         system;     -   (f) sterile electroporating the second population of TILs to         effect transfer of at least one gene editor into a plurality of         cells in the second population of TILs;     -   (g) resting the second population of TILs for about 1 day;     -   (h) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, optionally OKT-3 antibody, optionally an OX40 antibody,         and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed         for about 7 to 11 days to obtain the third population of TILs,         wherein the second expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a second gas-permeable surface area, and wherein the         transition from step (g) to step (h) optionally occurs without         opening the system;     -   (i) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from         step (h) to provide a harvested TIL population, wherein the         transition from step (h) to step (i) optionally occurs without         opening the system, wherein the harvested population of TILs is         a therapeutic population of TILs;     -   (j) transferring the harvested TIL population to an infusion         bag, wherein the transfer from step (i) to (j) optionally occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (k) optionally cryopreserving the harvested TIL population using         a cryopreservation medium, wherein the electroporation step         comprises the delivery of a zinc finger nuclease system that         reduces the expression of CD39 and CD69.

D. Immune Checkpoints

According to particular embodiments of the present invention, a TIL population is gene-edited to express one or more immunomodulatory compositions at the cell surface of TIL cells in the TIL population and to genetically modify one or more immune checkpoint genes in the TIL population. Stated another way, in addition to modification of a TIL population to express one or more immunomodulatory compositions at the cell surface, a DNA sequence within the TIL that encodes one or more of the TIL's immune checkpoints is permanently modified, e.g., inserted, deleted or replaced, in the TIL's genome. Immune checkpoints are molecules expressed by lymphocytes that regulate an immune response via inhibitory or stimulatory pathways. In the case of cancer, immune checkpoint pathways are often activated to inhibit the anti-tumor response, i.e., the expression of certain immune checkpoints by malignant cells inhibits the anti-tumor immunity and favors the growth of cancer cells. See, e.g., Marin-Acevedo et al., Journal of Hematology & Oncology (2018) 11:39. Thus, certain inhibitory checkpoint molecules serve as targets for immunotherapies of the present invention. According to particular embodiments, TILs are gene-edited to block or stimulate certain immune checkpoint pathways and thereby enhance the body's immunological activity against tumors.

As used herein, an immune checkpoint gene comprises a DNA sequence encoding an immune checkpoint molecule. According to particular embodiments of the present invention, gene-editing TILs during the TIL expansion method causes expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes to be silenced or reduced in at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs. For example, gene-editing may cause the expression of an inhibitory receptor, such as PD-1 or CTLA-4, to be silenced or reduced in order to enhance an immune reaction.

The most broadly studied checkpoints include programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated molecule-4 (CTLA-4), which are inhibitory receptors on immune cells that inhibit key effector functions (e.g., activation, proliferation, cytokine release, cytoxicity, etc.) when they interact with an inhibitory ligand.

Numerous checkpoint molecules, in addition to PD-1 and CTLA-4, have emerged as potential targets for immunotherapy, as discussed in more detail below.

Non-limiting examples of immune checkpoint genes that may be silenced or inhibited by permanently gene-editing TILs of the present invention include PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, HAVCR2 (TIM-3), Cish, TGFβ, PKA, CBL-B, PPP2CA, PPP2CB, PTPN6, PTPN22, PDCD1, BTLA, CD160, TIGIT, TET2, BAFF (BR3), CD96, CRTAM, LAIRI, SIGLEC7, SIGLEC9, CD244, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF10A, CASP8, CASP10, CASP3, CASP6, CASP7, FADD, FAS, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, SMAD10, SKI, SKIL, TGIF1, IL10RA, IL10RB, HMOX2, IL6R, IL6ST, EIF2AK4, CSK, PAGI, SIT1, FOXP3, PRDM1, BATF, GUCY1A2, GUCY1A3, GUCYlB2, and GUCYlB3. For example, immune checkpoint genes that may be silenced or inhibited in TILs of the present invention may be selected from the group comprising PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, TIM-3, Cish, TGFβ, and PKA.

BAFF (BR3) is described in Bloom, et al., J. Immunother., 2018, in press. According to another example, immune checkpoint genes that may be silenced or inhibited in TILs of the present invention may be selected from the group comprising PD-1, LAG-3, TIM-3, CTLA-4, TIGIT, CISH, TGFβ R2, PRA, CBLB, BAFF (BR3), and combinations thereof.

According to some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected         from a patient by processing a tumor sample obtained from the         patient into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (b) adding the tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (c) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 and         optionally comprising OKT-3 and/or a 4-1BB agonist antibody for         about 3 to 11 days to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area;     -   (e) stimulating the second population of TILs by adding OKT-3         and culturing for about 1 to 3 days, wherein the transition from         step (d) to step (e) optionally occurs without opening the         system;     -   (f) sterile electroporating the second population of TILs to         effect transfer of at least one gene editor into a plurality of         cells in the second population of TILs;     -   (g) resting the second population of TILs for about 1 day;     -   (h) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, optionally OKT-3 antibody, optionally an OX40 antibody,         and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed         for about 7 to 11 days, wherein the second expansion is         performed in a closed container providing a second gas-permeable         surface area, and wherein the transition from step (g) to         step (h) optionally occurs without opening the system;     -   (i) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from         step (h) to provide a harvested TIL population, wherein the         transition from step (h) to step (i) optionally occurs without         opening the system, wherein the harvested population of TILs is         a therapeutic population of TILs;     -   (j) transferring the harvested TIL population to an infusion         bag, wherein the transfer from step (i) to (j) optionally occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (k) optionally cryopreserving the harvested TIL population using         a cryopreservation medium, wherein the electroporation step         comprises the delivery of at least one gene editor system         selected from the group consisting of a Clustered Regularly         Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) system, a         Transcription Activator-Like Effector (TALE) system, or a zinc         finger system, wherein the at least one gene editor system         reduces the expression of CD39 and CD69.

1. PD-1

One of the most studied targets for the induction of checkpoint blockade is the programmed death receptor (PD1 or PD-1, also known as PDCD1), a member of the CD28 super family of T-cell regulators. Its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, are expressed on a variety of tumor cells, including melanoma. The interaction of PD-1 with PD-L1 inhibits T-cell effector function, results in T-cell exhaustion in the setting of chronic stimulation, and induces T-cell apoptosis in the tumor microenvironment. PD-1 may also play a role in tumor-specific escape from immune surveillance.

According to particular embodiments, expression of PD-1 in TILs is silenced or reduced in accordance with compositions and methods of the present invention. For example, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A, process Gen 3, or the methods shown in FIGS. 34 ), wherein the method comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs by silencing or repressing the expression of PD-1. As described in more detail below, the gene-editing process may involve the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at an immune checkpoint gene, such as PD-1. For example, a CRISPR method, a TALE method, or a zinc finger method may be used to silence or reduce the expression of PD-1 in the TILs. 2. CTLA-4

CTLA-4 expression is induced upon T-cell activation on activated T-cells, and competes for binding with the antigen presenting cell activating antigens CD80 and CD86. Interaction of CTLA-4 with CD80 or CD86 causes T-cell inhibition and serves to maintain balance of the immune response. However, inhibition of the CTLA-4 interaction with CD80 or CD86 may prolong T-cell activation and thus increase the level of immune response to a cancer antigen.

According to particular embodiments, expression of CTLA-4 in TILs is silenced or reduced in accordance with compositions and methods of the present invention. For example, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A, process Gen 3, or the methods shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ), wherein the method comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs to express at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface of and silence or repress the expression of CTLA-4 in the TILs. As described in more detail below, the gene-editing process may comprise the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at an immune checkpoint gene, such as CTLA-4. For example, a CRISPR method, a TALE method, or a zinc finger method may be used to silence or repress the expression of CTLA-4 in the TILs. In some embodiments, the at least one immunomodulatory composition comprises a cytokine fused to a membrance anchor. In some embodiments, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-21.

3. LAG-3

Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3, CD223) is expressed by T cells and natural killer (NK) cells after major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II ligation. Although its mechanism remains unclear, its modulation causes a negative regulatory effect over T cell function, preventing tissue damage and autoimmunity. LAG-3 and PD-1 are frequently co-expressed and upregulated on TILs, leading to immune exhaustion and tumor growth. Thus, LAG-3 blockade improves anti-tumor responses. See, e.g., Marin-Acevedo et al., Journal of Hematology & Oncology (2018) 11:39.

According to particular embodiments, expression of LAG-3 in TILs is silenced or reduced in accordance with compositions and methods of the present invention. For example, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A, process Gen 3, or the methods shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ), wherein the method comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs to express at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface of and silence or repress the expression of LAG-3 in the TILs. As described in more detail below, the gene-editing process may comprise the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at an immune checkpoint gene, such as LAG-3. According to particular embodiments, a CRISPR method, a TALE method, or a zinc finger method may be used to silence or repress the expression of LAG-3 in the TILs. In some embodiments, the at least one immunomodulatory composition comprises a cytokine fused to a membrance anchor. In some embodiments, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-21.

4. TIM-3

T cell immunoglobulin-3 (TIM-3) is a direct negative regulator of T cells and is expressed on NK cells and macrophages. TIM-3 indirectly promotes immunosuppression by inducing expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Its levels have been found to be particularly elevated on dysfunctional and exhausted T-cells, suggesting an important role in malignancy.

According to particular embodiments, expression of TIM-3 in TILs is silenced or reduced in accordance with compositions and methods of the present invention. For example, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A, process Gen 3, or the methods shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ), wherein the method comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs to express at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface of and silence or repress the expression of TIM-3 in the TILs. As described in more detail below, the gene-editing process may comprise the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at an immune checkpoint gene, such as TIM-3. For example, a CRISPR method, a TALE method, or a zinc finger method may be used to silence or repress the expression of TIM-3 in the TILs. In some embodiments, the at least one immunomodulatory composition comprises a cytokine fused to a membrance anchor. In some embodiments, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-21.

5. Cish

Cish, a member of the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family, is induced by TCR stimulation in CD⁸+ T cells and inhibits their functional avidity against tumors. Genetic deletion of Cish in CD⁸+ T cells may enhance their expansion, functional avidity, and cytokine polyfunctionality, resulting in pronounced and durable regression of established tumors. See, e.g., Palmer et al., Journal of Experimental Medicine, 212 (12): 2095 (2015).

According to particular embodiments, expression of Cish in TILs is silenced or reduced in accordance with compositions and methods of the present invention. For example, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A, process Gen 3, or the methods shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ), wherein the method comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs to express at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface of and silence or repress the expression of Cish in the TILs. As described in more detail below, the gene-editing process may comprise the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at an immune checkpoint gene, such as Cish. For example, a CRISPR method, a TALE method, or a zinc finger method may be used to silence or repress the expression of Cish in the TILs. In some embodiments, the at least one immunomodulatory composition comprises a cytokine fused to a membrance anchor. In some embodiments, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-21.

6. TGFβ

The TGFβ signaling pathway has multiple functions in regulating cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, motility and invasion, extracellular matrix production, angiogenesis, and immune response. TGFβ signaling deregulation is frequent in tumors and has crucial roles in tumor initiation, development and metastasis. At the microenvironment level, the TGFβ pathway contributes to generate a favorable microenvironment for tumor growth and metastasis throughout carcinogenesis. See, e.g., Neuzillet et al., Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Vol. 147, pp. 22-31 (2015).

According to particular embodiments, expression of TGFβ in TILs is silenced or reduced in accordance with compositions and methods of the present invention. For example, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A, process Gen 3, or the methods shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ), wherein the method comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs to express at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface of and silence or reduce the expression of TGFβ in the TILs. As described in more detail below, the gene-editing process may comprise the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at an immune checkpoint gene, such as TGFβ. For example, a CRISPR method, a TALE method, or a zinc finger method may be used to silence or repress the expression of TGFβ in the TILs. In some embodiments, the at least one immunomodulatory composition comprises a cytokine fused to a membrance anchor. In some embodiments, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-21.

In some embodiments, TGFβ R2 (TGF beta receptor 2) may be suppressed by silencing TGFβ R2 using a CRISPR/Cas9 system or by using a TGFβ R2 dominant negative extracellular trap, using methods known in the art.

7. PKA

Protein Kinase A (PKA) is a well-known member of the serine-threonine protein kinase superfamily. PKA, also known as cAMP-dependent protein kinase, is a multi-unit protein kinase that mediates signal transduction of G-protein coupled receptors through its activation upon cAMP binding. It is involved in the control of a wide variety of cellular processes from metabolism to ion channel activation, cell growth and differentiation, gene expression and apoptosis. Importantly, PKA has been implicated in the initiation and progression of many tumors. See, e.g., Sapio et al., EXCLI Journal; 2014; 13: 843-855.

According to particular embodiments, expression of PKA in TILs is silenced or reduced in accordance with compositions and methods of the present invention. For example, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A, process Gen 3, or the methods shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ), wherein the method comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs to express at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface of and silence or repress the expression of PKA in the TILs. As described in more detail below, the gene-editing process may comprise the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at an immune checkpoint gene, such as PKA. For example, a CRISPR method, a TALE method, or a zinc finger method may be used to silence or repress the expression of PKA in the TILs. In some embodiments, the at least one immunomodulatory composition comprises a cytokine fused to a membrance anchor. In some embodiments, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-21.

8. CBLB

CBLB (or CBL-B) is a E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase and is a negative regulator of T cell activation. Bachmaier, et al., Nature, 2000, 403, 211-216; Wallner, et al., Clin. Dev. Immunol. 2012, 692639.

According to particular embodiments, expression of CBLB in TILs is silenced or reduced in accordance with compositions and methods of the present invention. For example, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A, process Gen 3, or the methods shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ), wherein the method comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs to express at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface of and silencing or repressing the expression of CBLB in TILs. As described in more detail below, the gene-editing process may comprise the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at an immune checkpoint gene, such as CBLB. For example, a CRISPR method, a TALE method, or a zinc finger method may be used to silence or repress the expression of PKA in the TILs. In some embodiments, the at least one immunomodulatory composition comprises a cytokine fused to a membrance anchor. In some embodiments, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-21. In some embodiments, CBLB is silenced using a TALEN knockout. In some embodiments, CBLB is silenced using a TALE-KRAB transcriptional inhibitor knock in. More details on these methods can be found in Boettcher and McManus, Mol. Cell Review, 2015, 58, 575-585.

9. TIGIT

T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif) domain or TIGIT is a transmembrane glycoprotein receptor with an Ig-like V-type domain and an ITIM in its cytoplasmic domain. Khalil, et al., Advances in Cancer Research, 2015, 128, 1-68; Yu, et al., Nature Immunology, 2009, Vol. 10, No. 1, 48-57. TIGIT is expressed by some T cells and Natural Killer Cells. Additionally, TIGIT has been shown to be overexpressed on antigen-specific CD⁸+ T cells and CD⁸+ TILs, particularly from individuals with melanoma. Studies have shown that the TIGIT pathway contributes to tumor immune evasion and TIGIT inhibition has been shown to increase T-cell activation and proliferation in response to polyclonal and antigen-specific stimulation. Khalil, et al., Advances in Cancer Research, 2015, 128, 1-68. Further, coblockade of TIGIT with either PD-1 or TIM3 has shown synergistic effects against solid tumors in mouse models. Id.; see also Kurtulus, et al., The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2015, Vol. 125, No. 11, 4053-4062.

According to particular embodiments, expression of TIGIT in TILs is silenced or reduced in accordance with compositions and methods of the present invention. For example, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A, process Gen 3, or the methods shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ), wherein the method comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs to express at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface of and silence or repress the expression of TIGIT in the TILs. As described in more detail below, the gene-editing process may comprise the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at an immune checkpoint gene, such as TIGIT. For example, a CRISPR method, a TALE method, or a zinc finger method may be used to silence or repress the expression of TIGIT in the TILs. In some embodiments, the at least one immunomodulatory composition comprises a cytokine fused to a membrance anchor. In some embodiments, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-21.

10. TOX

Thymocyte selection associated high mobility group (HMG) box (TOX) is a transcription factor containing an HMG box DNA binding domain. TOX is a member of the HMG box superfamily that is thought to bind DNA in a sequence-independent but structure-dependent manner.

TOX was identified as a critical regulator of tumor-specific CD⁸+ T cell dysfunction or T cell exhaustion and was found to transcriptionally and epigenetically program CD⁸+ T cell exhaustion, as described, for example in Scott, et al., Nature, 2019, 571, 270-274 and Khan, et al., Nature, 2019, 571, 211-218, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. TOX was also found to be critical factor for progression of T cell dysfunction and maintainance of exhausted T cells during chronic infection, as described in Alfei, et al., Nature, 2019, 571, 265-269, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. TOX is highly expressed in dysfunctional or exhausted T cells from tumors and chronic viral infection. Ectopic expression of TOX in effector T cells in vitro induced a transcriptional program associated with T cell exhaustion, whereas deletion of TOX in T cells abrogated the T exhaustion program.

According to particular embodiments, expression of TOX in TILs is silenced or reduced in accordance with compositions and methods of the present invention. For example, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A, process Gen 3, or the methods shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ), wherein the method comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs to express at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface of and silence or repress the expression of TOX. As described in more detail below, the gene-editing process may comprise the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at an immune checkpoint gene, such as TOX. For example, a CRISPR method, a TALE method, or a zinc finger method may be used to silence or repress the expression of TOX in the TILs. In some embodiments, the at least one immunomodulatory composition comprises a cytokine fused to a membrance anchor. In some embodiments, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-21.

E. Overexpression of Co-Stimulatory Receptors or Adhesion Molecules

According to additional embodiments, gene-editing TILs during the TIL expansion method causes expression of at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface and causes expression of one or more co-stimulatory receptors, adhesion molecules and/or cytokines to be enhanced in at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs. For example, gene-editing may cause the expression of a co-stimulatory receptor, adhesion molecule or cytokine to be enhanced, which means that it is overexpressed as compared to the expression of a co-stimulatory receptor, adhesion molecule or cytokine that has not been genetically modified. Non-limiting examples of co-stimulatory receptor, adhesion molecule or cytokine genes that may exhibit enhanced expression by permanently gene-editing TILs of the present invention include certain chemokine receptors and interleukins, such as CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CX3CR1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, IL-21, the NOTCH 1/2 intracellular domain (ICD), and/or the NOTCH ligand mDLL1.

1. CCRs

For adoptive T cell immunotherapy to be effective, T cells need to be trafficked properly into tumors by chemokines. A match between chemokines secreted by tumor cells, chemokines present in the periphery, and chemokine receptors expressed by T cells is important for successful trafficking of T cells into a tumor bed.

According to particular embodiments, gene-editing methods of the present invention may be used to increase the expression of certain chemokine receptors in the TILs, such as one or more of CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3 and CX3CR1. Over-expression of CCRs may help promote effector function and proliferation of TILs following adoptive transfer.

According to particular embodiments, expression of one or more of CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3 and CX3CR1 in TILs is enhanced in accordance with compositions and methods of the present invention. For example, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A, process Gen 3, or the methods shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ), wherein the method comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs to express at least one immunomodulatory composition at the cell surface of and enhance the expression of one or more of CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3 and CX3CR1 in the TILs. In some embodiments, the at least one immunomodulatory composition comprises a cytokine fused to a membrance anchor. In some embodiments, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of IL-12, IL-15, IL-18 and IL-21.

As described in more detail below, the gene-editing process may comprise the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at a chemokine receptor gene. For example, a CRISPR method, a TALE method, or a zinc finger method may be used to enhance the expression of certain chemokine receptors in the TILs.

In some embodiments, CCR4 and/or CCR5 adhesion molecules are inserted into a TIL population using a gamma-retroviral or lentiviral method as described herein. In an embodiment, CXCR2 adhesion molecule are inserted into a TIL population using a gamma-retroviral or lentiviral method as described in Forget, et al., Frontiers Immunology 2017, 8, 908 or Peng, et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 2010, 16, 5458, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

According to some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected         from a patient by processing a tumor sample obtained from the         patient into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (b) adding the tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (c) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 and         optionally comprising OKT-3 and/or a 4-1BB agonist antibody for         about 3 to 11 days to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area;     -   (e) stimulating the second population of TILs by adding OKT-3         and culturing for about 1 to 3 days to obtain the second         population of TILs, wherein the second population of TILs is at         least 50-fold greater in number than the first population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (d) to step (e)         optionally occurs without opening the system;     -   (f) sterile electroporating the second population of TILs to         effect transfer of at least one gene editor into a plurality of         cells in the second population of TILs;     -   (g) resting the second population of TILs for about 1 day;     -   (h) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, optionally OKT-3 antibody, optionally an OX40 antibody,         and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed         for about 7 to 11, wherein the second expansion is performed in         a closed container providing a second gas-permeable surface         area, and wherein the transition from step (g) to step (h)         optionally occurs without opening the system;     -   (i) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from         step (h) to provide a harvested TIL population, wherein the         transition from step (h) to step (i) optionally occurs without         opening the system, wherein the harvested population of TILs is         a therapeutic population of TILs;     -   (j) transferring the harvested TIL population to an infusion         bag, wherein the transfer from step (i) to (j) optionally occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (k) optionally cryopreserving the harvested TIL population using         a cryopreservation medium, wherein the electroporation step         comprises the delivery of at least one gene editor system         selected from the group consisting of a Clustered Regularly         Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) system, a         Transcription Activator-Like Effector (TALE) system, or a zinc         finger system, wherein the at least one gene editor system         reduces the expression of CD39 and CD69, and further wherein the         at least one gene editor system effects expression of a CXCR2         adhesion molecule at the cell surface of the plurality of cells         of the second population of TILs or the CXCR2 adhesion molecule         is inserted by a gammaretroviral or lentiviral method into the         first population of TILs, second population of TILs, or         harvested population of TILs.

According to some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected         from a patient by processing a tumor sample obtained from the         patient into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (b) adding the tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (c) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 and         optionally comprising OKT-3 and/or a 4-1BB agonist antibody for         about 3 to 11 days to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area;     -   (e) stimulating the second population of TILs by adding OKT-3         and culturing for about 1 to 3 days, and wherein the transition         from step (d) to step (e) optionally occurs without opening the         system;     -   (f) sterile electroporating the second population of TILs to         effect transfer of at least one gene editor into a plurality of         cells in the second population of TILs;     -   (g) resting the second population of TILs for about 1 day;     -   (h) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, optionally OKT-3 antibody, optionally an OX40 antibody,         and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed         for about 7 to 11 days, wherein the second expansion is         performed in a closed container providing a second gas-permeable         surface area, and wherein the transition from step (g) to         step (h) optionally occurs without opening the system;     -   (i) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from         step (h) to provide a harvested TIL population, wherein the         transition from step (h) to step (i) optionally occurs without         opening the system, wherein the harvested population of TILs is         a therapeutic population of TILs;     -   j) transferring the harvested TIL population to an infusion bag,         wherein the transfer from step (i) to j) optionally occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (k) optionally cryopreserving the harvested TIL population using         a cryopreservation medium, wherein the electroporation step         comprises the delivery of at least one gene editor system         selected from the group consisting of a Clustered Regularly         Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) system, a         Transcription Activator-Like Effector (TALE) system, or a zinc         finger system, which at least one gene editor system reduces the         expression of CD39 and CD69 and further wherein the at least one         gene editor system effects expression of a CCR4 and/or CCR5         adhesion molecule at the cell surface of the plurality of cells         of the second population of TILs or the CXCR2 adhesion molecule         is inserted by a gammaretroviral or lentiviral method into the         first population of TILs, second population of TILs, or         harvested population of TILs.

According to some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected         from a patient by processing a tumor sample obtained from the         patient into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (b) adding the tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (c) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 and         optionally comprising OKT-3 and/or a 4-1BB agonist antibody for         about 3 to 11 days to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area;     -   (e) stimulating the second population of TILs by adding OKT-3         and culturing for about 1 to 3 days to obtain the second         population of TILs, wherein the transition from step (d) to         step (e) optionally occurs without opening the system;     -   (f) sterile electroporating the second population of TILs to         effect transfer of at least one gene editor into a plurality of         cells in the second population of TILs;     -   (g) resting the second population of TILs for about 1 day;     -   (h) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, optionally OKT-3 antibody, optionally an OX40 antibody,         and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed         for about 7 to 11 days, wherein the second expansion is         performed in a closed container providing a second gas-permeable         surface area, and wherein the transition from step (g) to         step (h) optionally occurs without opening the system;     -   (i) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from         step (h) to provide a harvested TIL population, wherein the         transition from step (h) to step (i) optionally occurs without         opening the system, wherein the harvested population of TILs is         a therapeutic population of TILs;     -   (j) transferring the harvested TIL population to an infusion         bag, wherein the transfer from step (i) to (j) optionally occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (k) optionally cryopreserving the harvested TIL population using         a cryopreservation medium, wherein the electroporation step         comprises the delivery of at least one gene editor system         selected from the group consisting of a Clustered Regularly         Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) system, a         Transcription Activator-Like Effector (TALE) system, or a zinc         finger system, which at least one gene editor system reduces the         expression of CD39 and CD69, and further wherein the at least         one gene editor system effects expression of an adhesion         molecule selected from the group consisting of CCR2, CCR4, CCR5,         CXCR2, CXCR3, CX3CR1, and combinations thereof, at the cell         surface of the plurality of cells of the second population of         TILs or the adhesion molecule is inserted by a gammaretroviral         or lentiviral method into the first population of TILs, second         population of TILs, or harvested population of TILs.

2. Interleukins

According to additional embodiments, gene-editing methods of the present invention may be used to increase the expression of certain interleukins, such as one or more of IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18 and IL-21. Certain interleukins have been demonstrated to augment effector functions of T cells and mediate tumor control.

According to particular embodiments, expression of one or more of IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18 and IL-21 in TILs is enhanced in accordance with compositions and methods of the present invention. For example, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., process 2A, process Gen 3, or the methods shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 ), wherein the method comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs by enhancing the expression of one or more of IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18 and IL-21. As described in more detail below, the gene-editing process may comprise the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at an interleukin gene. For example, a CRISPR method, a TALE method, or a zinc finger method may be used to enhance the expression of certain interleukins in the TILs.

According to some embodiments, a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprises:

-   -   (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected         from a patient by processing a tumor sample obtained from the         patient into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (b) adding the tumor fragments into a closed system;     -   (c) selecting CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double         negative TILs from the first population of TILs in (a) to obtain         a population of CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs;     -   (d) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 and         optionally comprising OKT-3 and/or a 4-1BB agonist antibody for         about 3 to 11 days to produce a second population of TILs,         wherein the first expansion is performed in a closed container         providing a first gas-permeable surface area;     -   (e) stimulating the second population of TILs by adding OKT-3         and culturing for about 1 to 3 days to obtain the second         population of TILs, wherein the transition from step (d) to         step (e) optionally occurs without opening the system;     -   (f) sterile electroporating the second population of TILs to         effect transfer of at least one gene editor;     -   (g) resting the second population of TILs for about 1 day into a         plurality of cells in the second population of TILs;     -   (h) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, optionally OKT-3 antibody, optionally an OX40 antibody,         and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed         for about 7 to 11, wherein the second expansion is performed in         a closed container providing a second gas-permeable surface         area, and wherein the transition from step (g) to step (h)         optionally occurs without opening the system;     -   (i) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from         step (h) to provide a harvested TIL population, wherein the         transition from step (h) to step (i) optionally occurs without         opening the system, wherein the harvested population of TILs is         a therapeutic population of TILs;     -   j) transferring the harvested TIL population to an infusion bag,         wherein the transfer from step (i) to j) optionally occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (k) optionally cryopreserving the harvested TIL population using         a cryopreservation medium, wherein the electroporation step         comprises the delivery of at least one gene editor system         selected from the group consisting of a Clustered Regularly         Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) system, a         Transcription Activator-Like Effector (TALE) system, or a zinc         finger system, which at least one gene editor system reduces the         expression fo CD39 and CD69 and further wherein the at least one         gene editor system effects expression of an interleukin selected         from the group consisting of IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15,         IL-18, IL-21, and combinations thereof, at the cell surface of         the plurality of cells of the second population of TILs or the         interleukin is inserted by a gammaretroviral or lentiviral         method into the first population of TILs, second population of         TILs, or harvested population of TILs.

D. Protein Kinase B (AKT) Inhibitors

According to some embodiments, the first expansion step, second expansion, or both the first and second expansion steps include the addition of protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor (AKTi) in the culture media. According to some embodiments, the priming first expansion step, rapid second expansion, or both the priming first and rapid second expansion steps include the addition of protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor (AKTi) in the culture media.

AKT Inhibitors

SB-203580

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is SB-203580. SB-203580 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 4-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl]pyridine

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is MK-2206. MK-2206 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 8-[4-(1-aminocyclobutyl)phenyl]-9-phenyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-f][1,6]naphthyridin-3-one

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is SC79. SC79 has the chemical structure and name shown as: ethyl 2-amino-6-chloro-4-(1-cyano-2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-4H-chromene-3-carboxylate

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Capivasertib. Capivasertib has the chemical structure and name shown as: 4-amino-N-[(1S)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-hydroxypropyl]-1-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamide

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Miltefosine. Miltefosine has the chemical structure and name shown as: hexadecyl 2-(trimethylazaniumyl)ethyl phosphate

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Perifosine. Perifosine has the chemical structure and name shown as: (1,1-dimethylpiperidin-1-ium-4-yl) octadecyl phosphate

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is PF-04691502. PF-04691502 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 2-amino-8-[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)cyclohexyl]-6-(6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-4-methylpyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is CCT128930. CCT128930 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 4-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-1-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)piperidin-4-amine

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is A-674563. A-674563 has the chemical structure and name shown as: (2S)-1-[5-(3-methyl-2H-indazol-5-yl)pyridin-3-yl]oxy-3-phenylpropan-2-amine

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Archexin. In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is an oligodeoxynucleotide with the sequence of 5′ gctgcatgatctccttggcg 3′.

Oleandrin (PBI-05204)

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is oleandrin. Oleandrin has the chemical structure and name shown as: [(3S,5R,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,16S,17R)-14-hydroxy-3-[(2R,4S,5S,6S)-5-hydroxy-4-methoxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-(5-oxo-2H-furan-3-yl)-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,15,16,17-tetradecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-16-yl]acetate

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is AKT inhibitor VIII. AKT inhibitor VIII has the chemical structure and name shown as: 3-[1-[[4-(7-phenyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-g]quinoxalin-6-yl)phenyl]methyl]piperidin-4-yl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-one

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is AT7867. AT7867 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)phenyl]piperidine

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is AT13148. AT13148 has the chemical structure and name shown as: (1S)-2-amino-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[4-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)phenyl]ethanol

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is ipatasertib. Ipatasertib has the chemical structure and name shown as: (S)-2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1-(4-((5R,7R)-7-hydroxy-5-methyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[d]pyrimidin-4-yl)piperazin-1-yl)-3-(isopropylamino)propan-1-one

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is TIC10. TIC10 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 7-benzyl-4-(2-methylbenzyl)-1,2,6,7,8,9-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-5(4H)-one

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is SC79. SC79 has the chemical structure and name shown as: ethyl 2-amino-6-chloro-4-(1-cyano-2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-4H-chromene-3-carboxylate

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is GSK690693. GSK690693 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 4-[2-(4-amino-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1-ethyl-7-[[(3S)-piperidin-3-yl]methoxy]imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-4-yl]-2-methylbut-3-yn-2-ol

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is afuresertib. Afuresertib has the chemical structure and name shown as: N-[(2S)-1-amino-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)propan-2-yl]-5-chloro-4-(4-chloro-2-methylpyrazol-3-yl)thiophene-2-carboxamide.

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is uprosertib. Uprosertib has the chemical structure and name shown as: N-[(2S)-1-amino-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)propan-2-yl]-5-chloro-4-(4-chloro-2-methylpyrazol-3-yl)furan-2-carboxamide

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is triciribine. Triciribine has the chemical structure and name shown as: (2R,3R,4S,5R)-2-(5-amino-7-methyl-2,6,7,9,11-pentazatricyclo[6.3.1.04,12]dodeca-1(12), 3,5,8,10-pentaen-2-yl)-5-(hy droxymethyl)oxolane-3,4-diol

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is SR13668. SR13668 has the chemical structure and name shown as: diethyl 6-methoxy-5,7-dihydroindolo[2,3-b]carbazole-2,10-dicarboxylate

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is A-443654. A-443654 has the chemical structure and name shown as: (2S)-1-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-[5-(3-methyl-2H-indazol-5-yl)pyridin-3-yl]oxypropan-2-amine

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Deguelin. Deguelin has the chemical structure and name shown as: (1S,14S)-17,18-dimethoxy-7,7-dimethyl-2,8,21-trioxapentacyclo[12.8.0.03¹²0.0⁴° 9.0¹¹,2⁰]docosa-3(12), 4(9), 5,10,15,17,19-heptaen-13-one

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is PHT-427. PHT-427 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 4-dodecyl-N-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide

Miransertib (ARQ-092)

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Miransertib. Miransertib has the chemical structure and name shown as: 3-[3-[4-(1-aminocyclobutyl)phenyl]-5-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl]pyridin-2-amine

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is BAY1125976. BAY1125976 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 2-[4-(1-aminocyclobutyl)phenyl]-3-phenylimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine-6-carboxamide

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is TAS-117. TAS-117 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 3-amino-i-methyl-3-[4-(5-phenyl-8-oxa-3,6,12-triazatricyclo1[7.4.0.02,6]trideca-1(9), 2,4,10,12-pentaen-4-yl)phenyl]cyclobutan-1-ol

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is MSC2363318A. MSC2363318A has the chemical structure and name shown as: 4-[[(1S)-2-(azetidin-1-yl)-1-[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl]amino]quinazoline-8-carboxamide

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Triciribine phosphate. Triciribine phosphate has the chemical structure and name shown as: [(2R,3S,4R,5R)-5-(5-amino-7-methyl-2,6,7,9,11-pentazatricyclo[6.3.1.04,12]dodeca-1(12), 3,5,8,10-pentaen-2-yl)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]methyl dihydrogen phosphate

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is XL418. XL418 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 1-[3-[4-(3-bromo-2H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)piperazin-1-yl]-4-methyl-5-(2-pyrrolidin-1-ylethylamino)phenyl]-4,4,4-trifluorobutan-1-one

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is SC66. SC66 has the chemical structure and name shown as: (2E,6E)-2,6-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethylidene)cyclohexan-1-one

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Honokiol. Honokiol has the chemical structure and name shown as: 2-(4-hydroxy-3-prop-2-enylphenyl)-4-prop-2-enylphenol

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Vevorisertib. Vevorisertib has the chemical structure and name shown as: N-[1-[3-[3-[4-(1-aminocyclobutyl)phenyl]-2-(2-aminopyridin-3-yl)imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-5-yl]phenyl]piperidin-4-yl]-N-methylacetamide

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is PX-316. PX-316 has the chemical structure and name shown as: [(2R)-2-methoxy-3-octadecoxypropyl] [(1R,2R,3S,4R,6R)-2,3,4,6-tetrahydroxycyclohexyl] hydrogen phosphate

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is API-1. API-1 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 4-amino-8-[(2R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]-5-oxopyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxamide

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is ALM301. ALM301 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 3-(3-(4-(1-aminocyclobutyl)phenyl)-5-phenyl-3H-imidazo [4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-2-amine

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is COTI-2. COTI-2 has the chemical structure and name shown as: N-(6,7-dihydro-5H-quinolin-8-ylideneamino)-4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazine-1-carbothioamide

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is DC120. DC120 has the chemical structure and name shown as: N-[1-amino-3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)propan-2-yl]-2-[2-(methylamino)pyrimidin-4-yl]-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxamide

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is TD52. TD52 has the chemical structure and name shown as: 2-N,3-N-bis(3-ethynylphenyl)quinoxaline-2,3-diamine

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Artemisinin. Artemisinin has the chemical structure and name shown as: (1R,4S,5R,8S,9R,12S,13R)-1,5,9-trimethyl-11,14,15,16-tetraoxatetracyclo[10.3.1.0⁴,1³0.0⁸,1³]hexadecan-10-one

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Guggulsterone. Guggulsterone has the chemical structure and name shown as: (8R,9S,10R,13S,14S,17Z)-17-ethylidene-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,16-dione

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Oridonin. Oridonin has the chemical structure and name shown as: (1S,2S,5S,8R,9S,10S,11R,15S,18R)-9,10,15,18-tetrahydroxy-12,12-dimethyl-6-methylidene-17-oxapentacyclo[7.6.2.1^(5.8)0^(1.11). 0²,s]octadecan-7-one

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Cenisertib. Cenisertib n has the chemical structure and name shown as: (1S,2S,3R,4R)-3-[[5-fluoro-2-[3-methyl-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)anilino]pyrimidin-4-yl]amino]bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carboxamide

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is 3CAI. 3CAI has the chemical structure and name shown as: 2-chloro-1-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethanone

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Borussertib. Borussertib has the chemical structure and name shown as: N-[2-oxo-3-[1-[[4-(5-oxo-3-phenyl-6H-1,6-naphthyridin-2-yl)phenyl]methyl]piperidin-4-yl]-1H-benzimidazol-5-yl]prop-2-enamide

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is PF-AKT400. PF-AKT400 has the chemical structure and name shown as: N-[[(3S)-3-amino-1-(5-ethyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]methyl]-2,4-difluorobenzamide

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Hu7691. Hu7691has the chemical structure and name shown as: N-((3 S,4 S)-4-(3,4-Difluorophenyl)piperidin-3-yl)-2-fluoro-4-(1-methyl-1 H-pyrazol-5-yl)benzamide

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Herbacetin. Herbacetin has the chemical structure and name shown as: 3,5,7,8-tetrahydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chromen-4-one

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Isoliquiritigenin. Isoliquiritigenin has the chemical structure and name shown as: (E)-1-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Scutellarin. Scutellarin has the chemical structure and name shown as: (2S,3S,4S,5R,6S)-6-[5,6-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-oxochromen-7-yl]oxy-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxane-2-carboxylic acid

In an embodiment, the AKT inhibitor is Tehranolide. Tehranolide has the chemical structure and name shown as: (1R,4R,5S,12S,13S)-4,13-dihydroxy-5,9-dimethyl-11,14,15-trioxatetracyclo[11.2.1.0¹⁵0.0⁸,1²]hexadecan-10-one

In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, Honokiol, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

III. TIL Manufacturing Processes—2A

An exemplary TIL process known as process 2A containing some of these features is depicted in FIG. 2 , and some of the advantages of this embodiment of the present invention over process 1C are described in International Patent Publicaiton WO2018/081473.

An embodiment of process 2A is shown FIG. 1 .

As discussed herein, the present invention can include a step relating to the restimulation of cryopreserved TILs to increase their metabolic activity and thus relative health prior to transplant into a patient, and methods of testing said metabolic health. As generally outlined herein, TILs are generally taken from a patient sample and manipulated to expand their number prior to transplant into a patient. In some embodiments, the TILs may be optionally genetically manipulated as discussed below.

In some embodiments, the TILs may be cryopreserved. Once thawed, they may also be restimulated to increase their metabolism prior to infusion into a patient.

In some embodiments, the first expansion (including processes referred to as the pre-REP as well as processes shown in FIG. 1 as Step A) is shortened to 3 to 14 days and the second expansion (including processes referred to as the REP as well as processes shown in FIG. 1 as Step B) is shorted to 7 to 14 days, as discussed in detail below as well as in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the first expansion (for example, an expansion described as Step B in FIG. 1 ) is shortened to 11 days and the second expansion (for example, an expansion as described in Step D in FIG. 1 ) is shortened to 11 days. In some embodiments, the combination of the first expansion and second expansion (for example, expansions described as Step B and Step D in FIG. 1 ) is shortened to 22 days, as discussed in detail below and in the examples and figures.

The “Step” Designations A, B, C, etc., below are in reference to FIG. 1 and in reference to certain embodiments described herein. The ordering of the Steps below and in FIG. 1 is exemplary and any combination or order of steps, as well as additional steps, repetition of steps, and/or omission of steps is contemplated by the present application and the methods disclosed herein.

A. STEP A: Obtain Patient Tumor Sample

In general, TILs are initially obtained from a patient tumor sample and then expanded into a larger population for further manipulation as described herein, optionally cryopreserved, restimulated as outlined herein and optionally evaluated for phenotype and metabolic parameters as an indication of TIL health.

A patient tumor sample may be obtained using methods known in the art, generally via surgical resection, needle biopsy, core biopsy, small biopsy, or other means for obtaining a sample that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells. In some embodiments, multilesional sampling is used. In some embodiments, surgical resection, needle biopsy, core biopsy, small biopsy, or other means for obtaining a sample that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells includes multilesional sampling (i.e., obtaining samples from one or more tumor sites and/or locations in the patient, as well as one or more tumors in the same location or in close proximity). In general, the tumor sample may be from any solid tumor, including primary tumors, invasive tumors or metastatic tumors. The tumor sample may also be a liquid tumor, such as a tumor obtained from a hematological malignancy. The solid tumor may be of lung tissue. In some embodiments, useful TILs are obtained from non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The solid tumor may be of skin tissue. In some embodiments, useful TILs are obtained from a melanoma.

Once obtained, the tumor sample is generally fragmented using sharp dissection into small pieces of between 1 to about 8 mm³, with from about 2-3 mm³ being particularly useful. In some embodiments, the TILs are cultured from these fragments using enzymatic tumor digests. Such tumor digests may be produced by incubation in enzymatic media (e.g., Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 buffer, 2 mM glutamate, 10 mcg/mL gentamicine, 30 units/mL of DNase and 1.0 mg/mL of collagenase) followed by mechanical dissociation (e.g., using a tissue dissociator). Tumor digests may be produced by placing the tumor in enzymatic media and mechanically dissociating the tumor for approximately 1 minute, followed by incubation for 30 minutes at 37° C. in 5% CO2, followed by repeated cycles of mechanical dissociation and incubation under the foregoing conditions until only small tissue pieces are present. At the end of this process, if the cell suspension contains a large number of red blood cells or dead cells, a density gradient separation using FICOLL branched hydrophilic polysaccharide may be performed to remove these cells. Alternative methods known in the art may be used, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0244133 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Any of the foregoing methods may be used in any of the embodiments described herein for methods of expanding TILs or methods treating a cancer.

Tumor dissociating enzyme mixtures can include one or more dissociating (digesting) enzymes such as, but not limited to, collagenase (including any blend or type of collagenase), Accutase™, Accumax™, hyaluronidase, neutral protease (dispase), chymotrypsin, chymopapain, trypsin, caseinase, elastase, papain, protease type XIV (pronase), deoxyribonuclease I (DNase), trypsin inhibitor, any other dissociating or proteolytic enzyme, and any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the dissociating enzymes are reconstituted from lyophilized enzymes. In some embodiments, lyophilized enzymes are reconstituted in an amount of sterile buffer such as HBSS.

In some instances, collagenase (such as animal free-type 1 collagenase) is reconstituted in 10 mL of sterile HBSS or another buffer. The lyophilized stock enzyme may be at a concentration of 2892 PZ U/vial. In some embodiments, collagenase is reconstituted in 5 mL to 15 mL buffer. In some embodiment, after reconstitution the collagenase stock ranges from about 100 PZ U/mL-about 400 PZ U/mL, e.g., about 100 PZ U/mL-about 400 PZ U/mL, about 100 PZ U/mL-about 350 PZ U/mL, about 100 PZ U/mL-about 300 PZ U/mL, about 150 PZ U/mL-about 400 PZ U/mL, about 100 PZ U/mL, about 150 PZ U/mL, about 200 PZ U/mL, about 210 PZ U/mL, about 220 PZ U/mL, about 230 PZ U/mL, about 240 PZ U/mL, about 250 PZ U/mL, about 260 PZ U/mL, about 270 PZ U/mL, about 280 PZ U/mL, about 289.2 PZ U/mL, about 300 PZ U/mL, about 350 PZ U/mL, or about 400 PZ U/mL.

In some embodiments, neutral protease is reconstituted in 1 mL of sterile HBSS or another buffer. The lyophilized stock enzyme may be at a concentration of 175 DMC U/vial. In some embodiments, after reconstitution the neutral protease stock ranges from about 100 DMC/mL-about 400 DMC/mL, e.g., about 100 DMC/mL-about 400 DMC/mL, about 100 DMC/mL-about 350 DMC/mL, about 100 DMC/mL-about 300 DMC/mL, about 150 DMC/mL-about 400 DMC/mL, about 100 DMC/mL, about 110 DMC/mL, about 120 DMC/mL, about 130 DMC/mL, about 140 DMC/mL, about 150 DMC/mL, about 160 DMC/mL, about 170 DMC/mL, about 175 DMC/mL, about 180 DMC/mL, about 190 DMC/mL, about 200 DMC/mL, about 250 DMC/mL, about 300 DMC/mL, about 350 DMC/mL, or about 400 DMC/mL.

In some embodiments, DNAse I is reconstituted in 1 mL of sterile HBSS or another buffer. The lyophilized stock enzyme was at a concentration of 4 KU/vial. In some embodiments, after reconstitution the DNase I stock ranges from about 1 KU/mL-10 KU/mL, e.g., about 1 KU/mL, about 2 KU/mL, about 3 KU/mL, about 4 KU/mL, about 5 KU/mL, about 6 KU/mL, about 7 KU/mL, about 8 KU/mL, about 9 KU/mL, or about 10 KU/mL.

In some embodiments, the stock of enzymes is variable and the concentrations may need to be determined. In some embodiments, the concentration of the lyophilized stock can be verified. In some embodiments, the final amount of enzyme added to the digest cocktail is adjusted based on the determined stock concentration.

In some embodiment, the enzyme mixture includes about 10.2-ul of neutral protease (0.36 DMC U/mL), 21.3 μL of collagenase (1.2 PZ/mL) and 250-ul of DNAse I (200 U/mL) in about 4.7 mL of sterile HBSS.

As indicated above, in some embodiments, the TILs are derived from solid tumors. In some embodiments, the solid tumors are not fragmented. In some embodiments, the solid tumors are not fragmented and are subjected to enzymatic digestion as whole tumors. In some embodiments, the tumors are digested in in an enzyme mixture comprising collagenase, DNase, and hyaluronidase. In some embodiments, the tumors are digested in in an enzyme mixture comprising collagenase, DNase, and hyaluronidase for 1-2 hours. In some embodiments, the tumors are digested in in an enzyme mixture comprising collagenase, DNase, and hyaluronidase for 1-2 hours at 37° C., 5% CO₂. In some embodiments, the tumors are digested in in an enzyme mixture comprising collagenase, DNase, and hyaluronidase for 1-2 hours at 37° C., 5% CO₂ with rotation. In some embodiments, the tumors are digested overnight with constant rotation. In some embodiments, the tumors are digested overnight at 37° C., 5% CO₂ with constant rotation. In some embodiments, the whole tumor is combined with the enzymes to form a tumor digest reaction mixture.

In some embodiments, the tumor is reconstituted with the lyophilized enzymes in a sterile buffer. In some embodiments, the buffer is sterile HBSS.

In some embodiments, the enxyme mixture comprises collagenase. In some embodiments, the collagenase is collagenase IV. In some embodiments, the working stock for the collagenase is a 100 mg/mL 10× working stock.

In some embodiments, the enzyme mixture comprises DNAse. In some embodiments, the working stock for the DNAse is a 10,000 IU/mL 10× working stock.

In some embodiments, the enzyme mixture comprises hyaluronidase. In some embodiments, the working stock for the hyaluronidase is a 10-mg/mL 10× working stock.

In some embodiments, the enzyme mixture comprises 10 mg/mL collagenase, 1000 IU/mL DNAse, and 1 mg/mL hyaluronidase.

In some embodiments, the enzyme mixture comprises 10 mg/mL collagenase, 500 IU/mL DNAse, and 1 mg/mL hyaluronidase.

In general, the harvested cell suspension is called a “primary cell population” or a “freshly harvested” cell population.

In some embodiments, fragmentation includes physical fragmentation, including for example, dissection as well as digestion. In some embodiments, the fragmentation is physical fragmentation. In some embodiments, the fragmentation is dissection. In some embodiments, the fragmentation is by digestion. In some embodiments, TILs can be initially cultured from enzymatic tumor digests and tumor fragments obtained from digesting or fragmenting a tumor sample obtained from a patient.

In some embodiments, where the tumor is a solid tumor, the tumor undergoes physical fragmentation after the tumor sample is obtained in, for example, Step A (as provided in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 ). In some embodiments, the fragmentation occurs before cryopreservation. In some embodiments, the fragmentation occurs after cryopreservation. In some embodiments, the fragmentation occurs after obtaining the tumor and in the absence of any cryopreservation. In some embodiments, the tumor is fragmented and 10, 20, 30, 40 or more fragments or pieces are placed in each container for the first expansion. In some embodiments, the tumor is fragmented and 30 or 40 fragments or pieces are placed in each container for the first expansion. In some embodiments, the tumor is fragmented and 40 fragments or pieces are placed in each container for the first expansion. In some embodiments, the multiple fragments comprise about 4 to about 50 fragments, wherein each fragment has a volume of about 27 mm³. In some embodiments, the multiple fragments comprise about 30 to about 60 fragments with a total volume of about 1300 mm³ to about 1500 mm³. In some embodiments, the multiple fragments comprise about 50 fragments with a total volume of about 1350 mm³. In some embodiments, the multiple fragments comprise about 50 fragments with a total mass of about 1 gram to about 1.5 grams. In some embodiments, the multiple fragments comprise about 4 fragments.

In some embodiments, the TILs are obtained from tumor fragments. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is obtained by sharp dissection. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is between about 1 mm³ and 10 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is between about 1 mm³ and 8 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 1 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 2 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 3 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 4 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 5 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 6 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 7 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 8 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 9 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 10 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumors are 1-4 mmx 1-4 mm×1-4 mm. In some embodiments, the tumors are 1 mmx 1 mm×1 mm. In some embodiments, the tumors are 2 mmx 2 mm×2 mm. In some embodiments, the tumors are 3 mmx 3 mm×3 mm. In some embodiments, the tumors are 4 mmx 4 mm×4 mm.

In some embodiments, the tumors are resected in order to minimize the amount of hemorrhagic, necrotic, and/or fatty tissues on each piece. In some embodiments, the tumors are resected in order to minimize the amount of hemorrhagic tissue on each piece. In some embodiments, the tumors are resected in order to minimize the amount of necrotic tissue on each piece. In some embodiments, the tumors are resected in order to minimize the amount of fatty tissue on each piece.

In some embodiments, the tumor fragmentation is performed in order to maintain the tumor internal structure. In some embodiments, the tumor fragmentation is performed without performing a sawing motion with a scalpel. In some embodiments, the TILs are obtained from tumor digests. In some embodiments, tumor digests were generated by incubation in enzyme media, for example but not limited to RPMI 1640, 2 mM GlutaMAX, 10 mg/mL gentamicin, 30 U/mL DNase, and 1.0 mg/mL collagenase, followed by mechanical dissociation (GentleMACS, Miltenyi Biotec, Auburn, CA). After placing the tumor in enzyme media, the tumor can be mechanically dissociated for approximately 1 minute. The solution can then be incubated for 30 minutes at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ and it then mechanically disrupted again for approximately 1 minute. After being incubated again for 30 minutes at 37° C. in 5% CO₂, the tumor can be mechanically disrupted a third time for approximately 1 minute. In some embodiments, after the third mechanical disruption if large pieces of tissue were present, 1 or 2 additional mechanical dissociations were applied to the sample, with or without 30 additional minutes of incubation at 37° C. in 5% CO₂. In some embodiments, at the end of the final incubation if the cell suspension contains a large number of red blood cells or dead cells, a density gradient separation using Ficoll can be performed to remove these cells.

In some embodiments, the harvested cell suspension prior to the first expansion step is called a “primary cell population” or a “freshly harvested” cell population.

In some embodiments, cells can be optionally frozen after sample harvest and stored frozen prior to entry into the expansion described in Step B, which is described in further detail below, as well as exemplified in FIG. 1 , as well as FIG. 8 .

1. Pleural Effusion T-Cells and TILs

In some embodiments, the sample is a pleural fluid sample. In some embodiments, the source of the T-cells or TILs for expansion according to the processes described herein is a pleural fluid sample. In some embodiments, the sample is a pleural effusion derived sample. In some embodiments, the source of the T-cells or TILs for expansion according to the processes described herein is a pleural effusion derived sample. See, for example, methods described in U.S. Patent Publication US 2014/0295426, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

In some embodiments, any pleural fluid or pleural effusion suspected of and/or containing TILs can be employed. Such a sample may be derived from a primary or metastatic lung cancer, such as NSCLC or SCLC. In some embodiments, the sample may be derived from secondary metastatic cancer cells which originated from another organ, e.g., breast, ovary, colon or prostate. In some embodiments, the sample for use in the expansion methods described herein is a pleural exudate. In some embodiments, the sample for use in the expansion methods described herein is a pleural transudate. Other biological samples may include other serous fluids containing TILs, including, e.g., ascites fluid from the abdomen or pancreatic cyst fluid. Ascites fluid and pleural fluids involve very similar chemical systems; both the abdomen and lung have mesothelial lines and fluid forms in the pleural space and abdominal spaces in the same matter in malignancies and such fluids in some embodiments contain TILs. In some embodiments, wherein the disclosed methods utilize pleural fluid, the same methods may be performed with similar results using ascites or other cyst fluids containing TILs.

In some embodiments, the pleural fluid is in unprocessed form, directly as removed from the patient. In some embodiments, the unprocessed pleural fluid is placed in a standard blood collection tube, such as an EDTA or Heparin tube, prior to further processing steps. In some embodiments, the unprocessed pleural fluid is placed in a standard CellSave® tube (Veridex) prior to further processing steps. In some embodiments, the sample is placed in the CellSave tube immediately after collection from the patient to avoid a decrease in the number of viable TILs. The number of viable TILs can decrease to a significant extent within 24 hours, if left in the untreated pleural fluid, even at 4° C. In some embodiments, the sample is placed in the appropriate collection tube within 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, or up to 24 hours after removal from the patient. In some embodiments, the sample is placed in the appropriate collection tube within 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, or up to 24 hours after removal from the patient at 4° C.

In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample from the chosen subject may be diluted. In some embodiments, the dilution is 1:10 pleural fluid to diluent. In other embodiments, the dilution is 1:9 pleural fluid to diluent. In other embodiments, the dilution is 1:8 pleural fluid to diluent. In other embodiments, the dilution is 1:5 pleural fluid to diluent. In other embodiments, the dilution is 1:2 pleural fluid to diluent. In other embodiments, the dilution is 1:1 pleural fluid to diluent. In some embodiments, diluents include saline, phosphate buffered saline, another buffer or a physiologically acceptable diluent. In some embodiments, the sample is placed in the CellSave tube immediately after collection from the patient and dilution to avoid a decrease in the viable TILs, which may occur to a significant extent within 24-48 hours, if left in the untreated pleural fluid, even at 4° C. In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample is placed in the appropriate collection tube within 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, up to 48 hours after removal from the patient, and dilution. In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample is placed in the appropriate collection tube within 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, up to 48 hours after removal from the patient, and dilution at 4° C.

In still other embodiments, pleural fluid samples are concentrated by conventional means prior to further processing steps. In some embodiments, this pre-treatment of the pleural fluid is preferable in circumstances in which the pleural fluid must be cryopreserved for shipment to a laboratory performing the method or for later analysis (e.g., later than 24-48 hours post-collection). In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample is prepared by centrifuging the pleural fluid sample after its withdrawal from the subject and resuspending the centrifugate or pellet in buffer. In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample is subjected to multiple centrifugations and resuspensions, before it is cryopreserved for transport or later analysis and/or processing.

In some embodiments, pleural fluid samples are concentrated prior to further processing steps by using a filtration method. In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample used in further processing is prepared by filtering the fluid through a filter containing a known and essentially uniform pore size that allows for passage of the pleural fluid through the membrane but retains the tumor cells. In some embodiments, the diameter of the pores in the membrane may be at least 4 μM. In other embodiments the pore diameter may be 5 pM or more, and in other embodiment, any of 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 μM. After filtration, the cells, including TILs, retained by the membrane may be rinsed off the membrane into a suitable physiologically acceptable buffer. Cells, including TILs, concentrated in this way may then be used in the further processing steps of the method.

In some embodiments, pleural fluid sample (including, for example, the untreated pleural fluid), diluted pleural fluid, or the resuspended cell pellet, is contacted with a lytic reagent that differentially lyses non-nucleated red blood cells present in the sample. In some embodiments, this step is performed prior to further processing steps in circumstances in which the pleural fluid contains substantial numbers of RBCs. Suitable lysing reagents include a single lytic reagent or a lytic reagent and a quench reagent, or a lytic agent, a quench reagent and a fixation reagent. Suitable lytic systems are marketed commercially and include the BD Pharm Lyse™ system (Becton Dickenson). Other lytic systems include the Versalyse™ system, the FACSlyse™ system (Becton Dickenson), the Immunoprep™ system or Erythrolyse II system (Beckman Coulter, Inc.), or an ammonium chloride system. In some embodiments, the lytic reagent can vary with the primary requirements being efficient lysis of the red blood cells, and the conservation of the TILs and phenotypic properties of the TILs in the pleural fluid. In addition to employing a single reagent for lysis, the lytic systems useful in methods described herein can include a second reagent, e.g., one that quenches or retards the effect of the lytic reagent during the remaining steps of the method, e.g., Stabilyse™ reagent (Beckman Coulter, Inc.). A conventional fixation reagent may also be employed depending upon the choice of lytic reagents or the preferred implementation of the method.

In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample, unprocessed, diluted or multiply centrifuged or processed as described herein above is cryopreserved at a temperature of about −140° C. prior to being further processed and/or expanded as provided herein.

2. Preselection Selection for CD39/CD69 double negative

According to some methods of the present invention, the TILs are preselected for, for example, being (i) CD39/CD69 double negative, (ii) CD39/CD69^(LO)LO, or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) prior to the first expansion. In some embodiments, there is also an optional preselection step for PD-1.

In some embodiments, a minimum of 3,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 3,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 4,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 4,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 5,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 5,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 6,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 6,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 7,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 7,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 8,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 8,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 9,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 9,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 10,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 10,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 20,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 20,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 30,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 30,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 40,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 40,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 50,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 50,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 60,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 60,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 70,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 70,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 80,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 80,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 90,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 90,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 100,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 100,000 TILs. In some embodiments, cells are grown or expanded to a density of 200,000. In some embodiments, cells are grown or expanded to a density of 200,000 to provide about 2e8 TILs for initiating the second expansion. In some embodiments, cells are grown or expanded to a density of 150,000. In some embodiments, cells are grown or expanded to a density of 150,000 to provide about 2e8 TILs for initiating the second expansion. In some embodiments, cells are grown or expanded to a density of 250,000. In some embodiments, cells are grown or expanded to a density of 250,000 to provide about 2e8 TILs for initiating the second expansion. In some embodiments, the minimum cell density is 10,000 cells to give 10e6 for initiating the second expansion. In some embodiments, a 10e6 seeding density for initiating the second expansion could yield greater than 1e9 TILs.

In some embodiments the TILs for use in the first expansion are (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) (for example, after preselection and before the first expansion). In some embodiments, TILs for use in the first expansion are at least 75% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii), at least 80% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii), at least 85% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii), at least 90% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii), at least 95% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii), at least 98% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) or at least 99% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) (for example, after preselection and before the first expansion).

In some embodiments, the preselection of CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs is performed by staining primary cell population, whole tumor digests, and/or whole tumor cell suspensions TILs with anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies. In some embodiments, the anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies are polycloncal antibodies e.g., a mouse anti-human CD39 and CD69 polyclonal antibodies, goat anti-human CD39 and CD69 polyclonal antibodies, etc. In some embodiments, anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies are monoclonal antibodies.

In some embodiments, the anti-CD39 antibody for use in the preselection binds at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99% or at least 100% of the cells expressing CD39. In some embodiments, the anti-CD69 antibody for use in the preselection binds at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99% or at least 100% of the cells expressing CD69.

In some embodiments, the patient has been treated with an anti-PD-1 antibody. In some embodiments, the subject is anti-PD-1 antibody treatment naive. In some embodiments, the subject has not been treated with an anti-PD-1 antibody. In some embodiments, the subject has been previously treated with a chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the subject has been previously treated with a chemotherapeutic agent but is no longer being treated with the chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the subject is post-chemotherapeutic treatment or post anti-PD-1 antibody treatment. In some embodiments, the subject is post-chemotherapeutic treatment and post anti-PD-1 antibody treatment. In some embodiments, the patient is anti-PD-1 antibody treatment naive. In some embodiments, the subject has treatment naive cancer or is post-chemotherapeutic treatment but anti-PD-1 antibody treatment naive. In some embodiments, the subject is treatment naive and post-chemotherapeutic treatment but anti-PD-1 antibody treatment naive.

In some embodiments, preselection is performed using a cell sorting method.

In some embodiments, the cell sorting method is a flow cytometry method, e.g., flow activated cell sorting (FACS). In some embodiments, the negatives are gated based upon the FMO. In some embodiments, the FACS gates are set-up after the step of obtaining and/or receiving a first population of TILs from a tumor resected from a subject by processing a tumor sample obtained from the subject into multiple tumor fragments. In some embodiments, the gating is set up for each sort. In some embodiments, the gating is set-up for each sample of PBMCs. In some embodiments, the gating is set-up for each sample of PBMCs. In some embodiments, the gating template is set-up from PBMC's every 10 days, 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days, or 60 days. In some embodiments, the gating template is set-up from PBMC's every 60 days. In some embodiments, the gating template is set-up for each sample of PBMC's every 10 days, 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days, or 60 days. In some embodiments, the gating template is set-up for each sample of PBMC's every 60 days.

In some embodiments, preselection involves selecting (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) from the first population of TILs to obtain a TIL population comprising the selecting a population of TILs from a first population of TILs that are at least 11.27% to 74.4% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs. In some embodiments, the first population of TILs are at least 10% to 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 20% to 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 20% to 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 30% to 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 40% to 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 50% to 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 10% to 70% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 20% to 70% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 30% to 70% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, or at least 40% to 70% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39LO/CD69LO TILs.

In some embodiments, the selection step (e.g., preselection and/or selecting CD39/CD69 double negative cells) comprises the steps of:

-   -   (i) exposing the first population of TILs and a population of         PBMC to an excess of monoclonal anti-CD39 IgG and anti-CD69 IgG         antibodies that bind to CD39 and CD69,     -   (ii) adding an excess of anti-IgG antibody conjugated to a         fluorophore,     -   (iii) obtaining the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or         CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TIL population based on the intensity of the         fluorophore detected in the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or         CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs in the first population of TILs         compared to the intensity of the fluorophore detected in the         population of PBMCs as performed by fluorescence-activated cell         sorting (FACS).

In some embodiments, at least 70% of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TIL population are CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs. In some embodiments, at least 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TIL population are CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs. In some embodiments, at least 90% of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TIL population are PD-1 positive TILs. In some embodiments, at least 95% of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO)enriched TIL population are CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs. In some embodiments, at least 99% of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO)enriched TIL population are CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs. In some embodiments, 100% of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO)enriched TIL population are CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs.

In some embodiments, the selection step, exemplified as Step A2 of FIG. 8 , comprises the steps of (i) exposing the first population of TILs to an excess of monoclonal anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 IgG antibodies, (ii) adding an excess of an anti-IgG antibody conjugated to a fluorophore, and (iii) performing a flow-based cell sort based on the fluorophore to obtain a (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) enriched TIL population.

In some embodiments, the gating method of Example 15 is employed. To determine if TILs derived from a tumor sample are CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), one skilled in the art can utilize a reference value corresponding to the level of expression of CD39 and/or CD69 in peripheral T cells obtained from a blood sample from one or more healthy human subjects. CD39/CD69 positive cells in the reference sample can be defined using fluorescence minus one controls and matching isotype controls. In some embodiments, the expression level of CD39/CD69 measured in CD3+/CD39+/CD69+ peripheral T cells from a healthy subject (e.g., the reference cells) is used to establish a threshold value or cut-off value of immunostaining intensity of CD39/CD69 in TILs obtained from a tumor. The threshold value can be defined as the maximal intensity of CD39/CD69 immunostaining of CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs. As such, TILs with a CD39/CD69 expression that is the same or below the threshold value can be considered to be CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) cells. In some instances, the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs represent those with the lowest intensity of CD39/CD69 immunostaining corresponding to a maximum 1% or less of the total CD3+ cells. In other instances, the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs represent those with the lowest intensity of CD39/CD69 immunostaining corresponding to the maximum 0.75% or less of the total CD3+ cells. In some instances, the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs represent those with the lowest intensity of CD39/CD69 immunostaining corresponding to the maximum 0.50% or less of the total CD3+ cells. In one instance, the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs represent those with the lowest intensity of CD39/CD69 immunostaining corresponding to the maximum 0.25% or less of the total CD3+ cells.

In some embodiments, the protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor (AKTi) method of Example 16 is employed. In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cultured in a medium comprising an AKT inhibitor to obtain a population of CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs. In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, Honokiol, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is ipatasertib. In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cultured in a medium comprising about 0.1 μM, about 0.2 μM, about 0.3 μM, about 0.4 μM, about 0.5 μM, about 0.6 μM, about 0.7 μM, about 0.8 μM, about 0.9 μM, about lpM, about 1.1 μM, about 1.2 μM, about 1.3 μM, about 1.4 μM, about 1.5 μM, about 1.6 μM, about 1.7 μM, about 1.8 μM, about 1.9 μM, about 2 μM, about 2.1 μM, about 2.2 μM, about 2.3 μM, about 2.4 μM, about 2.5 μM, about 2.6 μM, about 2.7 μM, about 2.8 μM, about 2.9 μM, about 3 μM, about 3.5 μM, about 4 μM, about 4.5 μM, or about 5 μM ipatasertib.

a. Flurophores

In some embodiments, the primary cell population TILs are stained with a cocktail that includes anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies linked to a fluorophore and an anti-CD3 antibody linked to a fluorophore. In some embodiments, the primary cell population TILs are stained with a cocktail that includes an anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies linked to a fluorophore (for example, PE, live/dead violet) and anti-CD3-FITC. In some embodiments, the primary cell population TILs are stained with a cocktail that includes anti-CD39 conjugated to a first fluorophore and anti-CD69 antibody conjugated to a second fluorphore, anti-CD3 antibody conjugated to a third fluorphore, and live/dead blue stain (such as one commercially available from ThermoFisher, MA, Cat #L23105), wherein the first, second, and third antibodies are different and capable individual detection. In some embodiments, the after incubation with the anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies, (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) cells are selected for expansion according to the first expansion a described herein, for example, in FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G.

In some embodiments, the primary cell population TILs are stained with a cocktail that includes anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies linked to a fluorophore and an anti-CD3 antibody linked to a fluorophore. In some embodiments, the primary cell population TILs are stained with a cocktail that includes an anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies linked to a fluorophore (for example, PE, live/dead violet) and anti-CD3-PE-Cy7. In some embodiments, the primary cell population TILs are stained with a cocktail that includes anti-CD39-FITC and anti-CD69-PE, anti-CD3-PE-Cy7 and live/dead blue stain (ThermoFisher, MA, Cat #L23105). In some embodiments, the after incubation with the anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies, (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) cells are selected for expansion according to the priming first expansion a described herein, for example, in Step B of Process CD39/CD69 GEN 3 in FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G.

In some embodiments, the flurophore includes, but is not limited to PE (Phycoerythrin), APC (allophycocyanin), PerCP (peridinin chlorophyll protein), DyLight 405, Alexa Fluor 405, Pacific Blue, Alexa Fluor 488, FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate), DyLight 550, Alexa Fluor 647, DyLight 650, and Alexa Fluor 700. In some embodiments, the flurophore includes, but is not limited to PE-Alexa Fluor® 647, PE-Cy5, PerCP-Cy5.5, PE-Cy5.5, PE-Alexa Fluor® 750, PE-Cy7, and APC-Cy7. In some embodiments, the flurophore includes, but is not limited to a fluorescein dye. Examples of fluorescein dyes include, but are not limited to, 5-carboxyfluorescein, fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate and 6-carboxyfluorescein, 5,6-dicarboxyfluorescein, 5-(and 6)-sulfofluorescein, sulfonefluorescein, succinyl fluorescein, 5-(and 6)-carboxy SNARF-1, carboxyfluorescein sulfonate, carboxyfluorescein zwitterion, carbxoyfluorescein quaternary ammonium, carboxyfluorescein phosphonate, carboxyfluorescein GABA, 5′(6′)-carboxyfluorescein, carboxyfluorescein-cys-Cy5, and fluorescein glutathione. In some embodiments, the fluorescent moiety is a rhodamine dye. Examples of rhodamine dyes include, but are not limited to, tetramethylrhodamine-6-isothiocyanate, 5-carboxytetramethylrhodamine, 5-carboxy rhodol derivatives, carboxy rhodamine 110, tetramethyl and tetraethyl rhodamine, diphenyldimethyl and diphenyldiethyl rhodamine, dinaphthyl rhodamine, rhodamine 101 sulfonyl chloride (sold under the tradename of TEXAS RED@). In some embodiments, the fluorescent moiety is a cyanine dye. Examples of cyanine dyes include, but are not limited to, Cy3, Cy3B, Cy3.5, Cy5, Cy5.5, and Cy 7.

B. STEP B: First Expansion

In some embodiments, the present methods provide for obtaining young TILs, which are capable of increased replication cycles upon administration to a subject/patient and as such may provide additional therapeutic benefits over older TILs (i.e., TILs which have further undergone more rounds of replication prior to administration to a subject/patient).

Features of young TILs have been described in the literature, for example in Donia, et al., Scand. J Immunol. 2012, 75, 157-167; Dudley, et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 2010, 16, 6122-6131; Huang, et al., J Immunother. 2005, 28, 258-267; Besser, et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 2013, 19, OF1-OF9; Besser, et al., J Immunother. 2009, 32:415-423; Robbins, et al., J Immunol. 2004, 173, 7125-7130; Shen, et al., J Immunother., 2007, 30, 123-129; Zhou, et al., J Immunother. 2005, 28, 53-62; and Tran, et al., J Immunother., 2008, 31, 742-751, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The diverse antigen receptors of T and B lymphocytes are produced by somatic recombination of a limited, but large number of gene segments. These gene segments: V (variable), D (diversity), J (joining), and C (constant), determine the binding specificity and downstream applications of immunoglobulins and T-cell receptors (TCRs). The present invention provides a method for generating TILs which exhibit and increase the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, the TILs obtained by the present method exhibit an increase in the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, the TILs obtained by the present method exhibit an increase in the T-cell repertoire diversity as compared to freshly harvested TILs and/or TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, the TILs obtained by the present method exhibit an increase in the T-cell repertoire diversity as compared to freshly harvested TILs and/or TILs prepared using methods referred to as process 1C, as exemplified in FIG. 5 and/or FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, the TILs obtained in the first expansion exhibit an increase in the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, the increase in diversity is an increase in the immunoglobulin diversity and/or the T-cell receptor diversity. In some embodiments, the diversity is in the immunoglobulin is in the immunoglobulin heavy chain. In some embodiments, the diversity is in the immunoglobulin is in the immunoglobulin light chain. In some embodiments, the diversity is in the T-cell receptor. In some embodiments, the diversity is in one of the T-cell receptors selected from the group consisting of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta receptors. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha and/or beta. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of T-cell receptor (TCR) beta. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of TCRab (i.e., TCRα/β).

After dissection or digestion of tumor fragments, for example such as described in Step A of FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , the resulting cells are cultured in serum containing IL-2 under conditions that favor the growth of TILs over tumor and other cells. In some embodiments, the tumor digests are incubated in 2 mL wells in media comprising inactivated human AB serum with 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In other embodiments, the tumor digests are incubated in 2 mL wells in media comprising inactivated human AB serum with 1000 IU/mL of IL-2. This primary cell population is cultured for a period of days, generally from 3 to 14 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells.

In some embodiments, this primary cell population is cultured for a period of 7 to 14 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, this primary cell population is cultured for a period of 10 to 14 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, this primary cell population is cultured for a period of about 11 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells.

In some embodiments, expansion of TILs may include an additional stimulation step immediately before the first expansion, in which TILs are prepared from tumor samples as described herein and cultured from first isolation (or freeze-thaw in the case of cryopreserved samples) with at least interferon gamma ((IFN-γ) 200 ng/mL; for example, 117001, Sigma-Aldrich, Inc., St. Louis, MO) and anti-PD-1 (for example, nivolumab). In some embodiments, the pre-expansion stimulation culture further contains a CD40 agonist, e.g., soluble CD40L or anti-CD40 antibody (for example, selicrelumab). In some embodiments, the pre-expansion stimulation culture further contains a CTLA-4 agonist, e.g., anti-CTLA-4 (for example, ipilimumab). In some embodiments, the pre-expansion stimulation lasts 48-72 hours. In some embodiments, the pre-expansion stimulation lasts 48 hours, 50 hours, 52 hours, 54 hours, 56 hours, 58 hours, 60 hours, 62 hours, 64 hours, 66 hours, 68 hours, 70 hours, or 72 hours. In various embodiments, the pre-expansion stimulation lasts for 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36 or 40 hours.

In some embodiments, expansion of TILs may be performed using an initial bulk TIL expansion step (for example such as those described in Step B of FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , which can include processes referred to as pre-REP) as described below and herein, followed by a second expansion (Step D, including processes referred to as rapid expansion protocol (REP) steps) as described below under Step D and herein, followed by optional cryopreservation, and followed by a second Step D (including processes referred to as restimulation REP steps) as described below and herein. The TILs obtained from this process may be optionally characterized for phenotypic characteristics and metabolic parameters as described herein.

In embodiments where TIL cultures are initiated in 24-well plates, for example, using Costar 24-well cell culture cluster, flat bottom (Corning Incorporated, Corning, NY, each well can be seeded with 1×10⁶ tumor digest cells or one tumor fragment in 2 mL of complete medium (CM) with IL-2 (6000 IU/mL; Chiron Corp., Emeryville, CA). In other embodiments, each well can be seeded with 1×10⁶ tumor digest cells or one tumor fragment in 2 mL of complete medium (CM) with IL-2 (1000 IU/mL). In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is between about 1 mm³ and 10 mm³.

In some embodiments, the first expansion culture medium is referred to as “CM”, an abbreviation for culture media. In some embodiments, CM for Step B consists of RPMI 1640 with GlutaMAX, supplemented with 10% human AB serum, 25 mM Hepes, and 10 mg/mL gentamicin. In embodiments where cultures are initiated in gas-permeable flasks with a 40 mL capacity and a 10 cm² gas-permeable silicon bottom (for example, G-REX10; Wilson Wolf Manufacturing, New Brighton, MN), each flask was loaded with 10-40×10⁶ viable tumor digest cells or 5-30 tumor fragments in 10⁻⁴⁰ mL of CM with IL-2. Both the G-REXREX10 and 24-well plates were incubated in a humidified incubator at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ and 5 days after culture initiation, half the media was removed and replaced with fresh CM and IL-2 and after day 5, half the media was changed every 2-3 days.

In some embodiments, the culture medium used in the expansion processes disclosed herein is a serum-free medium or a defined medium. In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium comprises a basal cell medium and a serum supplement and/or a serum replacement. In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium is used to prevent and/or decrease experimental variation due in part to the lot-to-lot variation of serum-containing media.

In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium comprises a basal cell medium and a serum supplement and/or serum replacement. In some embodiments, the basal cell medium includes, but is not limited to CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium, CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion SFM, CTS™ AIM-V Medium, CTS™ AIM-V SFM, LymphoONE™ T-Cell Expansion Xeno-Free Medium, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), Minimal Essential Medium (MEM), Basal Medium Eagle (BME), RPMI 1640, F-10, F-12, Minimal Essential Medium (uMEM), Glasgow's Minimal Essential Medium (G-MEM), RPMI growth medium, and Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium.

In some embodiments, the serum supplement or serum replacement includes, but is not limited to one or more of CTS™ OpTmizer T-Cell Expansion Serum Supplement, CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement, one or more albumins or albumin substitutes, one or more amino acids, one or more vitamins, one or more transferrins or transferrin substitutes, one or more antioxidants, one or more insulins or insulin substitutes, one or more collagen precursors, one or more antibiotics, and one or more trace elements. In some embodiments, the defined medium comprises albumin and one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of glycine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-proline, L-hydroxyproline, L-serine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, L-valine, thiamine, reduced glutathione, L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate, iron saturated transferrin, insulin, and compounds containing the trace element moieties Ag⁺, Al³⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, CO²⁺, Cr³, Ge⁴⁺, Se⁴⁺, Br, T, Mn²⁺, P, Si⁴⁺, V⁵⁺, Mo⁶⁺, Ni²⁺, Rb⁺, Sn²⁺ and Zr⁴⁺. In some embodiments, the defined medium further comprises L-glutamine, sodium bicarbonate and/or 2-mercaptoethanol.

In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Immune Cell Serum Replacement is used with conventional growth media, including but not limited to CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium, CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM, CTS™ AIM-V Medium, CST™ AIM-V SFM, LymphoONE™ T-Cell Expansion Xeno-Free Medium, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), Minimal Essential Medium (MEM), Basal Medium Eagle (BME), RPMI 1640, F-10, F-12, Minimal Essential Medium (uMEM), Glasgow's Minimal Essential Medium (G-MEM), RPMI growth medium, and Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium.

In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration (vol %) in the serum-free or defined medium is from about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, or 20% by volume of the total serum-free or defined medium. In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration is about 3% of the total volume of the serum-free or defined medium. In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration is about 5% of the total volume of the serum-free or defined medium. In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration is about 10% of the total volume of the serum-free or defined medium.

In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium is CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM (ThermoFisher Scientific). Any formulation of CTS™ OpTmizer™ is useful in the present invention. CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is a combination of 1 L CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium and 26 mL CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Supplement, which are mixed together prior to use. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific). In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), along with 2-mercaptoethanol at 55 mM. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and the final concentration of 2-mercaptoethanol in the media is 55 μM.

In some embodiments, the defined medium is CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM (ThermoFisher Scientific). Any formulation of CTS™ OpTmizer™ is useful in the present invention. CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is a combination of 1 L CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium and 26 mL CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Supplement, which are mixed together prior to use. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), along with 2-mercaptoethanol at 55 mM. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine, and further comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine, and further comprises about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and further comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and about 2 mM glutamine, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and about 2 mM glutamine, and further comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and about 2 mM glutamine, and further comprises about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and the final concentration of 2-mercaptoethanol in the media is 55 μM.

In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with glutamine (i.e., GlutaMAX®) at a concentration of from about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM, 0.5 mM to about 9 mM, 1 mM to about 8 mM, 2 mM to about 7 mM, 3 mM to about 6 mM, or 4 mM to about 5 mM. In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with glutamine (i.e., GlutaMAX®) at a concentration of about 2 mM.

In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with 2-mercaptoethanol at a concentration of from about 5 mM to about 150 mM, 10 mM to about 140 mM, 15 mM to about 130 mM, 20 mM to about 120 mM, 25 mM to about 110 mM, 30 mM to about 100 mM, 35 mM to about 95 mM, 40 mM to about 90 mM, 45 mM to about 85 mM, 50 mM to about 80 mM, 55 mM to about 75 mM, 60 mM to about 70 mM, or about 65 mM. In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with 2-mercaptoethanol at a concentration of about 55 mM. In some embodiments, the final concentration of 2-mercaptoethanol in the media is 55 μM.

In some embodiments, the defined media described in International PCT Publication No. WO/1998/030679, which is herein incorporated by reference, are useful in the present invention. In that publication, serum-free eukaryotic cell culture media are described. The serum-free, eukaryotic cell culture medium includes a basal cell culture medium supplemented with a serum-free supplement capable of supporting the growth of cells in serum-free culture. The serum-free eukaryotic cell culture medium supplement comprises or is obtained by combining one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of one or more albumins or albumin substitutes, one or more amino acids, one or more vitamins, one or more transferrins or transferrin substitutes, one or more antioxidants, one or more insulins or insulin substitutes, one or more collagen precursors, one or more trace elements, and one or more antibiotics. In some embodiments, the defined medium further comprises L-glutamine, sodium bicarbonate and/or beta-mercaptoethanol. In some embodiments, the defined medium comprises an albumin or an albumin substitute and one or more ingredients selected from group consisting of one or more amino acids, one or more vitamins, one or more transferrins or transferrin substitutes, one or more antioxidants, one or more insulins or insulin substitutes, one or more collagen precursors, and one or more trace elements. In some embodiments, the defined medium comprises albumin and one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of glycine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-proline, L-hydroxyproline, L-serine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, L-valine, thiamine, reduced glutathione, L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate, iron saturated transferrin, insulin, and compounds containing the trace element moieties Ag⁺, Al³⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, Ge⁴⁺, Se⁴⁺, Br, T, Mn²⁺, p, Si⁴⁺, V⁵⁺, Mo⁶⁺, Ni²⁺, Rb⁺, Sn²⁺ and Zr⁴+. In some embodiments, the basal cell media is selected from the group consisting of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), Minimal Essential Medium (MEM), Basal Medium Eagle (BME), RPMI 1640, F-10, F-12, Minimal Essential Medium (uMEM), Glasgow's Minimal Essential Medium (G-MEM), RPMI growth medium, and Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium.

In some embodiments, the concentration of glycine in the defined medium is in the range of from about 5-200 mg/L, the concentration of L-histidine is about 5-250 mg/L, the concentration of L-isoleucine is about 5-300 mg/L, the concentration of L-methionine is about 5-200 mg/L, the concentration of L-phenylalanine is about 5-400 mg/L, the concentration of L-proline is about 1-1000 mg/L, the concentration of L-hydroxyproline is about 1-45 mg/L, the concentration of L-serine is about 1-250 mg/L, the concentration of L-threonine is about 10⁻⁵⁰⁰ mg/L, the concentration of L-tryptophan is about 2-110 mg/L, the concentration of L-tyrosine is about 3-175 mg/L, the concentration of L-valine is about 5-500 mg/L, the concentration of thiamine is about 1-20 mg/L, the concentration of reduced glutathione is about 1-20 mg/L, the concentration of L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate is about 1-200 mg/L, the concentration of iron saturated transferrin is about 1-50 mg/L, the concentration of insulin is about 1-100 mg/L, the concentration of sodium selenite is about 0.000001-0.0001 mg/L, and the concentration of albumin (e.g., AlbuMAX® I) is about 5000-50,000 mg/L.

In some embodiments, the non-trace element moiety ingredients in the defined medium are present in the concentration ranges listed in the column under the heading “Concentration Range in 1× Medium” in Table 4 below. In other embodiments, the non-trace element moiety ingredients in the defined medium are present in the final concentrations listed in the column under the heading “A Preferred Embodiment of the 1× Medium” in Table 4. In other embodiments, the defined medium is a basal cell medium comprising a serum free supplement. In some of these embodiments, the serum free supplement comprises non-trace moiety ingredients of the type and in the concentrations listed in the column under the heading “A Preferred Embodiment in Supplement” in Table 4 below.

TABLE 4 Concentrations of Non-Trace Element Moiety Ingredients A preferred embodiment Concentration A preferred in range embodiment supplement in 1X medium in 1X (mg/L) (mg/L) medium (mg/L) Ingredient (About) (About) (About) Glycine 150 5-200 53 L-Histidine 940 5-250 183 L-Isoleucine 3400 5-300 615 L-Methionine 90 5-200 44 L-Phenylalanine 1800 5-400 336 L-Proline 4000  1-1000 600 L-Hydroxyproline 100 1-45  15 L-Serine 800 1-250 162 L-Threonine 2200 10-500  425 L-Tryptophan 440 2-110 82 L-Tyrosine 77 3-175 84 L-Valine 2400 5-500 454 Thiamine 33 1-20  9 Reduced 10 1-20  1.5 Glutathione Ascorbic Acid-2- 330 1-200 50 PO₄ (Mg Salt) Transferrin (iron 55 1-50  8 saturated) Insulin 100 1-100 10 Sodium Selenite 0.07 0.000001-0.0001   0.00001 AlbuMAX ® I 83,000 5000-50,000  12,500

In some embodiments, the osmolarity of the defined medium is between about 260 and 350 mOsmol. In some embodiments, the osmolarity is between about 280 and 310 mOsmol. In some embodiments, the defined medium is supplemented with up to about 3.7 g/L, or about 2.2 g/L sodium bicarbonate. The defined medium can be further supplemented with L-glutamine (final concentration of about 2 mM), one or more antibiotics, non-essential amino acids (NEAA; final concentration of about 100 μM), 2-mercaptoethanol (final concentration of about 100 μM).

In some embodiments, the defined media described in Smith, et al., Clin Transl Immunology, 4(1) 2015 (doi: 10.1038/cti.2014.31) are useful in the present invention. Briefly, RPMI or CTS™ OpTmizer™ was used as the basal cell medium, and supplemented with either 0, 2%, 5%, or 10% CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement.

In some embodiments, the cell medium in the first and/or second gas permeable container is unfiltered. The use of unfiltered cell medium may simplify the procedures necessary to expand the number of cells. In some embodiments, the cell medium in the first and/or second gas permeable container lacks beta-mercaptoethanol (BME or PME; also known as 2-mercaptoethanol, CAS 60-24-2).

After preparation of the tumor fragments (and any pre-expansion stimulation), the resulting cells (i.e., fragments) are cultured in serum containing IL-2 under conditions that favor the growth of TILs over tumor and other cells. In some embodiments, the tumor digests are incubated in 2 mL wells in media comprising inactivated human AB serum (or, in some cases, as outlined herein, in the presence of an APC cell population) with 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. This primary cell population is cultured for a period of days, generally from 10 to 14 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, the growth media during the first expansion comprises IL-2 or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the IL is recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2). In some embodiments the IL-2 stock solution has a specific activity of 20-30×10⁶ IU/mg for a 1 mg vial. In some embodiments the IL-2 stock solution has a specific activity of 20×10⁶ IU/mg for a 1 mg vial. In some embodiments the IL-2 stock solution has a specific activity of 25×10⁶ IU/mg for a 1 mg vial. In some embodiments the IL-2 stock solution has a specific activity of 30×10⁶ IU/mg for a 1 mg vial. In some embodiments, the IL-2 stock solution has a final concentration of 4-8×10⁶ IU/mg of IL-2. In some embodiments, the IL-2 stock solution has a final concentration of 5-7×10⁶ IU/mg of IL-2. In some embodiments, the IL-2 stock solution has a final concentration of 6×10⁶ IU/mg of IL-2. In some embodiments, the IL-2 stock solution is prepare as described in Example 5. In some embodiments, the first expansion culture media comprises about 10,000 IU/mL of IL-2, about 9,000 IU/mL of IL-2, about 8,000 IU/mL of IL-2, about 7,000 IU/mL of IL-2, about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2 or about 5,000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the first expansion culture media comprises about 9,000 IU/mL of IL-2 to about 5,000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the first expansion culture media comprises about 8,000 IU/mL of IL-2 to about 6,000 IU/mL of IL-2.

In some embodiments, the first expansion culture media comprises about 7,000 IU/mL of IL-2 to about 6,000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the first expansion culture media comprises about 6,000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium further comprises IL-2. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium further comprises IL-2. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 1000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments the cell culture medium comprises, about 1500 IU/mL, about 2000 IU/mL, about 2500 IU/mL, about 3000 IU/mL, about 3500 IU/mL, about 4000 IU/mL, about 4500 IU/mL, about 5000 IU/mL, about 5500 IU/mL, about 6000 IU/mL, about 6500 IU/mL, about 7000 IU/mL, about 7500 IU/mL, or about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises between 1000 and 2000 IU/mL, between 2000 and 3000 IU/mL, between 3000 and 4000 IU/mL, between 4000 and 5000 IU/mL, between 5000 and 6000 IU/mL, between 6000 and 7000 IU/mL, between 7000 and 8000 IU/mL, or about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises an anti-CD3 agonist antibody, e.g. OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 30 ng/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 0.1 ng/mL, about 0.5 ng/mL, about 1 ng/mL, about 2.5 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 7.5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, about 100 ng/mL, about 200 ng/mL, about 500 ng/mL, and about 1 μg/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises between 0.1 ng/mL and 1 ng/mL, between 1 ng/mL and 5 ng/mL, between 5 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL, between 10 ng/mL and 20 ng/mL, between 20 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL, between 30 ng/mL and 40 ng/mL, between 40 ng/mL and 50 ng/mL, and between 50 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium does not comprise OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the OKT-3 antibody is muromonab. See, for example, Table 1.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises one or more TNFRSF agonists in a cell culture medium. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist comprises a 4-1BB agonist. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is a 4-1BB agonist, and the 4-1BB agonist is selected from the group consisting of urelumab, utomilumab, EU-101, a fusion protein, and fragments, derivatives, variants, biosimilars, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is added at a concentration sufficient to achieve a concentration in the cell culture medium of between 0.1 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is added at a concentration sufficient to achieve a concentration in the cell culture medium of between 20 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL.

In some embodiments, in addition to one or more TNFRSF agonists, the cell culture medium further comprises IL-2 at an initial concentration of about 3000 IU/mL and OKT-3 antibody at an initial concentration of about 30 ng/mL, and wherein the one or more TNFRSF agonists comprises a 4-1BB agonist.

In some embodiments, the first expansion culture medium is referred to as “CM”, an abbreviation for culture media. In some embodiments, it is referred to as CM1 (culture medium 1). In some embodiments, CM consists of RPMI 1640 with GlutaMAX, supplemented with 10% human AB serum, 25 mM Hepes, and 10 mg/mL gentamicin. In embodiments where cultures are initiated in gas-permeable flasks with a 40 mL capacity and a 10 cm² gas-permeable silicon bottom (for example, G-REX10; Wilson Wolf Manufacturing, New Brighton, MN) (FIG. 1 ), each flask was loaded with 10-40×10⁶ viable tumor digest cells or 5-30 tumor fragments in 10⁻⁴⁰ mL of CM with IL-2. Both the G-REX10 and 24-well plates were incubated in a humidified incubator at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ and 5 days after culture initiation, half the media was removed and replaced with fresh CM and IL-2 and after day 5, half the media was changed every 2-3 days. In some embodiments, the CM is the CM1 described in the Examples, see, Example 1. In some embodiments, the first expansion occurs in an initial cell culture medium or a first cell culture medium. In some embodiments, the initial cell culture medium or the first cell culture medium comprises IL-2.

In some embodiments, the first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP) process is shortened to 3-14 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP) is shortened to 7 to 14 days, as discussed in the Examples and shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , as well as including for example, an expansion as described in Step B of FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, the first expansion of Step B is shortened to 10⁻¹⁴ days. In some embodiments, the first expansion is shortened to 11 days, as discussed in, for example, an expansion as described in Step B of FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 .

In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, or 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 1 day to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 2 days to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 3 days to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 4 days to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 5 days to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 6 days to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 7 days to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 8 days to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 9 days to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 10 days to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 11 days to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 12 days to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 13 days to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 14 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 1 day to 11 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 2 days to 11 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 3 days to 11 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 4 days to 11 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 5 days to 11 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 6 days to 11 days.

In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 7 days to 11 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 8 days to 11 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 9 days to 11 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 10 days to 11 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 11 days.

In some embodiments, a combination of IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and/or IL-21 are employed as a combination during the first expansion. In some embodiments, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and/or IL-21 as well as any combinations thereof can be included during the first expansion, including for example during a Step B processes according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , as well as described herein. In some embodiments, a combination of IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 are employed as a combination during the first expansion. In some embodiments, IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 as well as any combinations thereof can be included during Step B processes according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 and as described herein.

In some embodiments, the first expansion (including processes referred to as the pre-REP; for example, Step B according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 ) process is shortened to 3 to 14 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the first expansion of Step B is shortened to 7 to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first expansion of Step B is shortened to 10 to 14 days. In some embodiments, the first expansion is shortened to 11 days.

In some embodiments, the first expansion, for example, Step B according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , is performed in a closed system bioreactor. In some embodiments, a closed system is employed for the TIL expansion, as described herein. In some embodiments, a single bioreactor is employed. In some embodiments, the single bioreactor employed is for example a G-REX-10 or a G-REX-100. In some embodiments, the closed system bioreactor is a single bioreactor.

1. Cytokines and Other Additives

In some embodiments, using combinations of cytokines for the first expansion of TILs is possible, with combinations of two or more of IL-2, IL-15 and IL-21 as is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2017/0107490 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Thus, possible combinations include IL-2 and IL-15, IL-2 and IL-21, IL-15 and IL-21 and IL-2, or IL-15 and IL-21. The use of combinations of cytokines specifically favors the generation of lymphocytes, and in particular T-cells as described therein. In some embodiments, IL-2 is added at a low concentration, for example, at about 10 IU/mL, about 20 IU/mL, about 30 IU/mL, about 40 IU/mL, about 50 IU/mL, about 100 IU/mL, about 200 IU/mL, about 300 IU/mL, about 400 IU/mL, about 500 IU/mL, about 600 IU/mL, about 700 IU/mL, about 800 IU/mL, about 900 IU/mL, about 1000 IU/mL, about 1500 IU/mL, about 2000 IU/mL, about 2500 IU/mL, about 3000 IU/mL, about 3500 IU/mL, or about 4000 IU/mL. In some embodiments, IL-2 is added at about 10⁻⁴⁰⁰⁰ IU/mL, at about 100-3000 IU/mL, at about 500-2000 IU/ML, or at about 1000-1500 IU/mL. In some embodiments, IL-2 is added at about 1000 IU/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 1 ng/mL, about 2 ng/mL, about 3 ng/mL, about 4 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, or about 100 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-21 is added at about 1 ng/mL, about 2 ng/mL, about 3 ng/mL, about 4 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, about 100 ng/mL, about 150 ng/mL, about 200 ng/mL, about 250 ng/mL, or about 300 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL and IL-21 is added at about 30 ng/mL. In some embodiments, one or more of IL-2, IL-15 and IL-21 is added twice during Step B, for example, at DO and D3, DO and D4, DO and D5, DO and D6, DO and D7, DO and D8, of Step B.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of OKT-3 antibody or muromonab to the culture media, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of a 4-1BB agonist to the culture media, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of an OX-40 agonist to the culture media, as described elsewhere herein. In other embodiments, additives such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator I-alpha agonists, including proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists such as a thiazolidinedione compound, may be used in the culture media during Step B, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2019/0307796 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor (AKTi) in the culture media. In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cultured in a medium comprising an AKT inhibitor to obtain a population of CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs. In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, Honokiol, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is ipatasertib. In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cultured in a medium comprising about 0.1p M, about 0.2 μM, about 0.3 μM, about 0.4 μM, about 0.5 μM, about 0.6 μM, about 0.7 μM, about 0.8 μM, about 0.9 μM, about 1 μM, about 1.1 μM, about 1.2 μM, about 1.3 μM, about 1.4 μM, about 1.5 μM, about 1.6 μM, about 1.7 μM, about 1.8 μM, about 1.9 μM, about 2 μM, about 2.1p M, about 2.2 μM, about 2.3 μM, about 2.4 μM, about 2.5 μM, about 2.6 μM, about 2.7 μM, about 2.8 μM, about 2.9 μM, about 3 μM, about 3.5 μM, about 4 μM, about 4.5 μM, about 5 μM, about 6 μM, about 7 μM, about 8 μM, about 9 μM, about 10 μM, about 20 μM, about 30 μM, about 40 μM, about 50 μM, about 60 μM, about 70 μM, about 80 μM, about 90 μM, or about 100 μM of an AKT inhibitor.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of a CD40 agonist, such as a CD40L or an anti-CD40 agonistic antibody at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, CD40L is added. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 agonistic antibody is added. In some embodiments, a CD40 agonist is added at about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 45 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, or about 60 ng/mL. In some embodiments, a CD40 agonist is added at about 30 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of a IFNγ at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, IFNγ is added. In some embodiments, IFNγ is added at about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 65 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 75 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 85 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, about 95 ng/mL, about 100 ng/mL, about 10⁵ ng/mL, about 110 ng/mL, about 115 ng/mL, about 120 ng/mL, about 125 ng/mL, about 130 ng/mL, about 135 ng/mL, about 140 ng/mL, about 145 ng/mL, about 150 ng/mL about 155 ng/mL, about 160 ng/mL, about 165 ng/mL about 170 ng/mL, about 175 ng/mL, about 180 ng/mL, about 185 ng/mL, about 190 ng/mL, about 195 ng/mL, about 200 ng/mL, about 205 ng/mL, about 210 ng/mL, about 215 ng/mL about 220 ng/mL, about 225 ng/mL, about 230 ng/mL, about 235 ng/mL, about 240 ng/mL, about 245 ng/mL, about 250 ng/mL, about 255 ng/mL, about 260 ng/mL, about 265 ng/mL, about 270 ng/mL, about 275 ng/mL, about 280 ng/mL, about 285 ng/mL, about 290 ng/mL, about 295 ng/mL, or about 300 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IFNγ is added at about 200 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of an anti-PD-1 antibody at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, an anti-PD-1 antibody is added at about 5 μg/mL, about 10 μg/mL, about 15 μg/mL, about 20 μg/mL, about 25 μg/mL, about 30 μg/mL, about 35 μg/mL, about 40 μg/mL, about 45 μg/mL, about 50 μg/mL, about 55 μg/mL, or about 60 μg/mL. In some embodiments, an anti-PD-1 antibody is added at about 10 μg/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of an anti-CTLA-4 antibody at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody is added at about 5 μg/mL, about 10 μg/mL, about 15 μg/mL, about 20 μg/mL, about 25 μg/mL, about 30 μg/mL, about 35 μg/mL, about 40 μg/mL, about 45 μg/mL, about 50 μg/mL, about 55 μg/mL, or about 60 μg/mL. In some embodiments, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody is added at about 10 μg/mL.

C. STEP C: First Expansion to Second Expansion Transition

In some cases, the bulk TIL population obtained from the first expansion, including for example the TIL population obtained from for example, Step B as indicated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , can be cryopreserved immediately, using the protocols discussed herein below. Alternatively, the TIL population obtained from the first expansion, referred to as the second TIL population, can be subjected to a second expansion (which can include expansions sometimes referred to as REP) and then cryopreserved as discussed below. Similarly, in the case where genetically modified TILs will be used in therapy, the first TIL population (sometimes referred to as the bulk TIL population) or the second TIL population (which can in some embodiments include populations referred to as the REP TIL populations) can be subjected to genetic modifications for suitable treatments prior to expansion or after the first expansion and prior to the second expansion.

In some embodiments, the TILs obtained from the first expansion (for example, from Step B as indicated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 ) are stored until phenotyped for selection. In some embodiments, the TILs obtained from the first expansion (for example, from Step B as indicated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 ) are not stored and proceed directly to the second expansion. In some embodiments, the TILs obtained from the first expansion are not cryopreserved after the first expansion and prior to the second expansion. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 3 days, 4, days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, or 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 3 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 4 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 4 days to 10 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 7 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 14 days from when fragmentation occurs.

In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs at 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, or 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 1 day to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 2 days to 14 days. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 3 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 4 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 5 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 6 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 7 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 8 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 9 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 10 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 11 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 12 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 13 days to 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 14 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 1 day to 11 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 2 days to 11 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 3 days to 11 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 4 days to 11 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 5 days to 11 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 6 days to 11 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 7 days to 11 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 8 days to 11 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 9 days to 11 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 10 days to 11 days from when fragmentation occurs. In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion occurs 11 days from when fragmentation occurs.

In some embodiments, the TILs are not stored after the first expansion and prior to the second expansion, and the TILs proceed directly to the second expansion (for example, in some embodiments, there is no storage during the transition from Step B to Step D as shown in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 ). In some embodiments, the transition occurs in closed system, as described herein. In some embodiments, the TILs from the first expansion, the second population of TILs, proceeds directly into the second expansion with no transition period.

In some embodiments, the transition from the first expansion to the second expansion, for example, Step C according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , is performed in a closed system bioreactor. In some embodiments, a closed system is employed for the TIL expansion, as described herein. In some embodiments, a single bioreactor is employed. In some embodiments, the single bioreactor employed is for example a G-REX-10 or a G-REX-100 bioreactor. In some embodiments, the closed system bioreactor is a single bioreactor.

D. STEP D: Second Expansion

In some embodiments, the TIL cell population is expanded in number after harvest and initial bulk processing for example, after Step A and Step B, and the transition referred to as Step C, as indicated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 ). This further expansion is referred to herein as the second expansion, which can include expansion processes generally referred to in the art as a rapid expansion process (REP); as well as processes as indicated in Step D of FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 . The second expansion is generally accomplished using a culture media comprising a number of components, including feeder cells, a cytokine source, and an anti-CD3 antibody, in a gas-permeable container. In some embodiments, the second expansion or second TIL expansion (which can include expansions sometimes referred to as REP; as well as processes as indicated in Step D of FIG. 1 ) of TIL can be performed using any TIL flasks or containers known by those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, or 14 days. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 7 days to about 14 days. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 8 days to about 14 days. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 9 days to about 14 days. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 10 days to about 14 days. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 11 days to about 14 days. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 12 days to about 14 days. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 13 days to about 14 days. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 14 days.

In some embodiments, the second expansion can be performed in a gas permeable container using the methods of the present disclosure (including for example, expansions referred to as REP; as well as processes as indicated in Step D of FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 ). For example, TILs can be rapidly expanded using non-specific T-cell receptor stimulation in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) or interleukin-15 (IL-15). The non-specific T-cell receptor stimulus can include, for example, an anti-CD3 antibody, such as about 30 ng/mL of OKT3, a mouse monoclonal anti-CD3 antibody (commercially available from Ortho-McNeil, Raritan, NJ or Miltenyi Biotech, Auburn, CA) or UHCT-1 (commercially available from BioLegend, San Diego, CA, USA). TILs can be expanded to induce further stimulation of the TILs in vitro by including one or more antigens during the second expansion, including antigenic portions thereof, such as epitope(s), of the cancer, which can be optionally expressed from a vector, such as a human leukocyte antigen A2 (HLA-A2) binding peptide, e.g., 0.3 μM MART-1:26-35 (27 L) or gpl 00:209-217 (210M), optionally in the presence of a T-cell growth factor, such as 300 IU/mL IL-2 or IL-15. Other suitable antigens may include, e.g., NY-ESO-1, TRP-1, TRP-2, tyrosinase cancer antigen, MAGE-A3, SSX-2, and VEGFR2, or antigenic portions thereof. TIL may also be rapidly expanded by re-stimulation with the same antigen(s) of the cancer pulsed onto HLA-A2-expressing antigen-presenting cells. Alternatively, the TILs can be further re-stimulated with, e.g., example, irradiated, autologous lymphocytes or with irradiated HLA-A2+ allogeneic lymphocytes and IL-2. In some embodiments, the re-stimulation occurs as part of the second expansion. In some embodiments, the second expansion occurs in the presence of irradiated, autologous lymphocytes or with irradiated HLA-A2+ allogeneic lymphocytes and IL-2.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium further comprises IL-2. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 10 IU/mL, about 20 IU/mL, about 30 IU/mL, about 40 IU/mL, about 50 IU/mL, about 100 IU/mL, about 200 IU/mL, about 300 IU/mL, about 400 IU/mL, about 500 IU/mL, about 600 IU/mL, about 700 IU/mL, about 800 IU/mL, about 900 IU/mL, about 1000 IU/mL, about 1500 IU/mL, about 2000 IU/mL, about 2500 IU/mL, about 3000 IU/mL, about 3500 IU/mL, about 4000 IU/mL, about 4500 IU/mL, about 5000 IU/mL, about 5500 IU/mL, about 6000 IU/mL, about 6500 IU/mL, about 7000 IU/mL, about 7500 IU/mL, or about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises between 10 and 100 IU/mL, between 100 and 200 IU/mL, between 200 and 300 IU/mL, between 300 and 400 IU/mL, between 400 and 500 IU/mL, between 500 and 1000 IU/mL, between 1000 and 2000 IU/mL, between 2000 and 3000 IU/mL, between 3000 and 4000 IU/mL, between 4000 and 5000 IU/mL, between 5000 and 6000 IU/mL, between 6000 and 7000 IU/mL, or between 7000 and 8000 IU/mL of IL-2.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 30 ng/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 0.1 ng/mL, about 0.5 ng/mL, about 1 ng/mL, about 2.5 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 7.5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, about 100 ng/mL, about 200 ng/mL, about 500 ng/mL, and about 1 μg/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises between 0.1 ng/mL and 1 ng/mL, between 1 ng/mL and 5 ng/mL, between 5 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL, between 10 ng/mL and 20 ng/mL, between 20 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL, between 30 ng/mL and 40 ng/mL, between 40 ng/mL and 50 ng/mL, and between 50 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium does not comprise OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the OKT-3 antibody is muromonab.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises one or more TNFRSF agonists in a cell culture medium. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist comprises a 4-1BB agonist. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is a 4-1BB agonist, and the 4-1BB agonist is selected from the group consisting of urelumab, utomilumab, EU-101, a fusion protein, and fragments, derivatives, variants, biosimilars, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is added at a concentration sufficient to achieve a concentration in the cell culture medium of between 0.1 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is added at a concentration sufficient to achieve a concentration in the cell culture medium of between 20 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL.

In some embodiments, in addition to one or more TNFRSF agonists, the cell culture medium further comprises IL-2 at an initial concentration of about 3000 IU/mL and OKT-3 antibody at an initial concentration of about 30 ng/mL, and wherein the one or more TNFRSF agonists comprises a 4-1BB agonist.

In some embodiments, a combination of IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and/or IL-21 are employed as a combination during the second expansion. In some embodiments, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and/or IL-21 as well as any combinations thereof can be included during the second expansion, including for example during a Step D processes according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , as well as described herein. In some embodiments, a combination of IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 are employed as a combination during the second expansion. In some embodiments, IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 as well as any combinations thereof can be included during Step D processes according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 and as described herein.

In some embodiments, the second expansion can be conducted in a supplemented cell culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3, antigen-presenting feeder cells, and optionally a TNFRSF agonist. In some embodiments, the second expansion occurs in a supplemented cell culture medium. In some embodiments, the supplemented cell culture medium comprises IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen-presenting feeder cells. In some embodiments, the second cell culture medium comprises IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen-presenting cells (APCs; also referred to as antigen-presenting feeder cells). In some embodiments, the second expansion occurs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen-presenting feeder cells (i.e., antigen presenting cells).

In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 500 IU/mL of IL-15, about 400 IU/mL of IL-15, about 300 IU/mL of IL-15, about 200 IU/mL of IL-15, about 180 IU/mL of IL-15, about 160 IU/mL of IL-15, about 140 IU/mL of IL-15, about 120 IU/mL of IL-15, or about 100 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 500 IU/mL of IL-15 to about 100 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 400 IU/mL of IL-15 to about 100 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 300 IU/mL of IL-15 to about 100 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 200 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 180 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium further comprises IL-15. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 180 IU/mL of IL-15.

In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 20 IU/mL of IL-21, about 15 IU/mL of IL-21, about 12 IU/mL of IL-21, about 10 IU/mL of IL-21, about 5 IU/mL of IL-21, about 4 IU/mL of IL-21, about 3 IU/mL of IL-21, about 2 IU/mL of IL-21, about 1 IU/mL of IL-21, or about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 20 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 15 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 12 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 10 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 5 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 1 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 2 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 1 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium further comprises IL-21. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 1 IU/mL of IL-21.

In some embodiments the antigen-presenting feeder cells (APCs) are PBMCs. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to PBMCs and/or antigen-presenting cells in the rapid expansion and/or the second expansion is about 1 to 25, about 1 to 50, about 1 to 100, about 1 to 125, about 1 to 150, about 1 to 175, about 1 to 200, about 1 to 225, about 1 to 250, about 1 to 275, about 1 to 300, about 1 to 325, about 1 to 350, about 1 to 375, about 1 to 400, or about 1 to 500. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to PBMCs in the rapid expansion and/or the second expansion is between 1 to 50 and 1 to 300. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to PBMCs in the rapid expansion and/or the second expansion is between 1 to 100 and 1 to 200.

In some embodiments, REP and/or the second expansion is performed in flasks with the bulk TILs being mixed with a 100- or 200-fold excess of inactivated feeder cells, 30 mg/mL OKT3 anti-CD3 antibody and 3000 IU/mL IL-2 in 150 mL media. Media replacement is done (generally 2/3 media replacement via respiration with fresh media) until the cells are transferred to an alternative growth chamber. Alternative growth chambers include G-REX flasks and gas permeable containers as more fully discussed below.

In some embodiments, the second expansion (which can include processes referred to as the REP process) is shortened to 7-14 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the second expansion is shortened to 11 days.

In some embodiments, REP and/or the second expansion may be performed using T-175 flasks and gas permeable bags as previously described (Tran, et al., J Immunother. 2008, 31, 742-51; Dudley, et al., J Immunother. 2003, 26, 332-42) or gas permeable cultureware (G-REX flasks). In some embodiments, the second expansion (including expansions referred to as rapid expansions) is performed in T-175 flasks, and about 1×10⁶ TILs suspended in 150 mL of media may be added to each T-175 flask. The TILs may be cultured in a 1 to 1 mixture of CM and AIM-V medium, supplemented with 3000 IU per mL of IL-2 and 30 ng per mL of anti-CD3. The T-175 flasks may be incubated at 37° C. in 5% CO₂. Half the media may be exchanged on day 5 using 50/50 medium with 3000 IU per mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, on day 7 cells from two T-175 flasks may be combined in a 3 L bag and 300 mL of AIM V with 5% human AB serum and 3000 IU per mL of IL-2 was added to the 300 mL of TIL suspension. The number of cells in each bag was counted every day or two and fresh media was added to keep the cell count between 0.5 and 2.0×10⁶ cells/mL.

In some embodiments, the second expansion (which can include expansions referred to as REP, as well as those referred to in Step D of FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 ) may be performed in 500 mL capacity gas permeable flasks with 100 cm gas-permeable silicon bottoms (G-REX-100, commercially available from Wilson Wolf Manufacturing Corporation, New Brighton, MN, USA), 5×10⁶ or 10×10⁶ TIL may be cultured with PBMCs in 400 mL of 50/50 medium, supplemented with 5% human AB serum, 3000 IU per mL of IL-2 and 30 ng per mL of anti-CD3 (OKT3). The G-REX-100 flasks may be incubated at 37° C. in 5% CO₂. On day 5, 250 mL of supernatant may be removed and placed into centrifuge bottles and centrifuged at 1500 rpm (491×g) for 10 minutes. The TIL pellets may be re-suspended with 150 mL of fresh medium with 5% human AB serum, 3000 IU per mL of IL-2, and added back to the original G-REX-100 flasks. When TIL are expanded serially in G-REX-100 flasks, on day 7 the TIL in each G-REX-100 may be suspended in the 300 mL of media present in each flask and the cell suspension may be divided into 3 100 mL aliquots that may be used to seed 3 G-REX-100 flasks. Then 150 mL of AIM-V with 5% human AB serum and 3000 IU per mL of IL-2 may be added to each flask. The G-REX-100 flasks may be incubated at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ and after 4 days 150 mL of AIM-V with 3000 IU per mL of IL-2 may be added to each G-REX-100 flask. The cells may be harvested on day 14 of culture.

In some embodiments, the second expansion (including expansions referred to as REP) is performed in flasks with the bulk TILs being mixed with a 100- or 200-fold excess of inactivated feeder cells, 30 mg/mL OKT3 anti-CD3 antibody and 3000 IU/mL IL-2 in 150 mL media. In some embodiments, media replacement is done until the cells are transferred to an alternative growth chamber. In some embodiments, 2/3 of the media is replaced by respiration with fresh media. In some embodiments, alternative growth chambers include G-REX flasks and gas permeable containers as more fully discussed below.

In some embodiments, the second expansion (including expansions referred to as REP) is performed and further comprises a step wherein TILs are selected for superior tumor reactivity. Any selection method known in the art may be used. For example, the methods described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0010058 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, may be used for selection of TILs for superior tumor reactivity.

Optionally, a cell viability assay can be performed after the second expansion (including expansions referred to as the REP expansion), using standard assays known in the art. For example, a trypan blue exclusion assay can be done on a sample of the bulk TILs, which selectively labels dead cells and allows a viability assessment. In some embodiments, TIL samples can be counted and viability determined using a Cellometer K2 automated cell counter (Nexcelom Bioscience, Lawrence, MA). In some embodiments, viability is determined according to the standard Cellometer K2 Image Cytometer Automatic Cell Counter protocol.

In some embodiments, the second expansion (including expansions referred to as REP) of TIL can be performed using T-175 flasks and gas-permeable bags as previously described (Tran, et al., 2008, J Immunother., 31, 742-751, and Dudley, et al. 2003, J Immunother., 26, 332-342) or gas-permeable G-REX flasks. In some embodiments, the second expansion is performed using flasks. In some embodiments, the second expansion is performed using gas-permeable G-REX flasks. In some embodiments, the second expansion is performed in T-175 flasks, and about 1×10⁶ TIL are suspended in about 150 mL of media and this is added to each T-175 flask. The TIL are cultured with irradiated (50 Gy) allogeneic PBMC as “feeder” cells at a ratio of 1 to 100 and the cells were cultured in a 1 to 1 mixture of CM and AIM-V medium (50/50 medium), supplemented with 3000 IU/mL of IL-2 and 30 ng/mL of anti-CD3. The T-175 flasks are incubated at 37° C. in 5% CO₂. In some embodiments, half the media is changed on day 5 using 50/50 medium with 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, on day 7, cells from 2 T-175 flasks are combined in a 3 L bag and 300 mL of AIM-V with 5% human AB serum and 3000 IU/mL of IL-2 is added to the 300 mL of TIL suspension. The number of cells in each bag can be counted every day or two and fresh media can be added to keep the cell count between about 0.5 and about 2.0×10⁶ cells/mL.

In some embodiments, the second expansion (including expansions referred to as REP) are performed in 500 mL capacity flasks with 100 cm² gas-permeable silicon bottoms (G-REX-100, Wilson Wolf) about 5×10⁶ or 10×10⁶ TIL are cultured with irradiated allogeneic PBMC at a ratio of 1 to 100 in 400 mL of 50/50 medium, supplemented with 3000 IU/mL of IL-2 and 30 ng/mL of anti-CD3. The G-REX-100 flasks are incubated at 37° C. in 5% CO₂. In some embodiments, on day 5, 250 mL of supernatant is removed and placed into centrifuge bottles and centrifuged at 1500 rpm (491 g) for 10 minutes. The TIL pellets can then be resuspended with 150 mL of fresh 50/50 medium with 3000 IU/mL of IL-2 and added back to the original G-REX-100 flasks. In embodiments where TILs are expanded serially in G-REX-100 flasks, on day 7 the TIL in each G-REX-100 are suspended in the 300 mL of media present in each flask and the cell suspension was divided into three 100 mL aliquots that are used to seed 3 G-REX-100 flasks. Then 150 mL of AIM-V with 5% human AB serum and 3000 IU/mL of IL-2 is added to each flask. The G-REX-100 flasks are incubated at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ and after 4 days 150 mL of AIM-V with 3000 IU/mL of IL-2 is added to each G-REX-100 flask. The cells are harvested on day 14 of culture.

The diverse antigen receptors of T and B lymphocytes are produced by somatic recombination of a limited, but large number of gene segments. These gene segments: V (variable), D (diversity), J (joining), and C (constant), determine the binding specificity and downstream applications of immunoglobulins and T-cell receptors (TCRs). The present invention provides a method for generating TILs which exhibit and increase the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, the TILs obtained by the present method exhibit an increase in the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, the TILs obtained in the second expansion exhibit an increase in the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, the increase in diversity is an increase in the immunoglobulin diversity and/or the T-cell receptor diversity. In some embodiments, the diversity is in the immunoglobulin is in the immunoglobulin heavy chain. In some embodiments, the diversity is in the immunoglobulin is in the immunoglobulin light chain. In some embodiments, the diversity is in the T-cell receptor. In some embodiments, the diversity is in one of the T-cell receptors selected from the group consisting of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta receptors. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha and/or beta. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of T-cell receptor (TCR) beta. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of TCRab (i.e., TCRα/β).

In some embodiments, the second expansion culture medium (e.g., sometimes referred to as CM2 or the second cell culture medium), comprises IL-2, OKT-3, as well as the antigen-presenting feeder cells (APCs), as discussed in more detail below.

In some embodiments, the culture medium used in the expansion processes disclosed herein is a serum-free medium or a defined medium. In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium comprises a basal cell medium and a serum supplement and/or a serum replacement. In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium is used to prevent and/or decrease experimental variation due in part to the lot-to-lot variation of serum-containing media.

In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium comprises a basal cell medium and a serum supplement and/or serum replacement. In some embodiments, the basal cell medium includes, but is not limited to CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium, CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion SFM, CTS™ AIM-V Medium, CTS™ AIM-V SFM, LymphoONE™ T-Cell Expansion Xeno-Free Medium, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), Minimal Essential Medium (MEM), Basal Medium Eagle (BME), RPMI 1640, F-10, F-12, Minimal Essential Medium (aMEM), Glasgow's Minimal Essential Medium (G-MEM), RPMI growth medium, and Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium.

In some embodiments, the serum supplement or serum replacement includes, but is not limited to one or more of CTS™ OpTmizer T-Cell Expansion Serum Supplement, CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement, one or more albumins or albumin substitutes, one or more amino acids, one or more vitamins, one or more transferrins or transferrin substitutes, one or more antioxidants, one or more insulins or insulin substitutes, one or more collagen precursors, one or more antibiotics, and one or more trace elements. In some embodiments, the defined medium comprises albumin and one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of glycine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-proline, L-hydroxyproline, L-serine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, L-valine, thiamine, reduced glutathione, L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate, iron saturated transferrin, insulin, and compounds containing the trace element moieties Ag⁺, Al³⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, CO₂₊, Cr³⁺ Ge⁴⁺, Se⁴⁺, Br, T, Mn²⁺, P, Si⁴⁺, V⁵⁺, Mo⁶⁺, Ni²⁺, Rb⁺, Sn²⁺ and Zr⁴′. In some embodiments, the defined medium further comprises L-glutamine, sodium bicarbonate and/or 2-mercaptoethanol.

In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Immune Cell Serum Replacement is used with conventional growth media, including but not limited to CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium, CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM, CTS™ AIM-V Medium, CST™ AIM-V SFM, LymphoONE™ T-Cell Expansion Xeno-Free Medium, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), Minimal Essential Medium (MEM), Basal Medium Eagle (BME), RPMI 1640, F-10, F-12, Minimal Essential Medium (uMEM), Glasgow's Minimal Essential Medium (G-MEM), RPMI growth medium, and Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium.

In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration (vol %) in the serum-free or defined medium is from about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, or 20% by volume of the total serum-free or defined medium. In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration is about 3% of the total volume of the serum-free or defined medium. In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration is about 5% of the total volume of the serum-free or defined medium. In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration is about 10% of the total volume of the serum-free or defined medium.

In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium is CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM (ThermoFisher Scientific). Any formulation of CTS™ OpTmizer™ is useful in the present invention. CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is a combination of 1 L CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium and 26 mL CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Supplement, which are mixed together prior to use. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific). In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), along with 2-mercaptoethanol at 55 mM. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and the final concentration of 2-mercaptoethanol in the media is 55 μM.

In some embodiments, the defined medium is CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM (ThermoFisher Scientific). Any formulation of CTS™ OpTmizer™ is useful in the present invention. CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is a combination of 1 L CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium and 26 mL CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Supplement, which are mixed together prior to use. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), along with 2-mercaptoethanol at 55 mM. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine, and further comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine, and further comprises about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and further comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and about 2 mM glutamine, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and about 2 mM glutamine, and further comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and about 2 mM glutamine, and further comprises about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and the final concentration of 2-mercaptoethanol in the media is 55 μM.

In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with glutamine (i.e., GlutaMAX®) at a concentration of from about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM, 0.5 mM to about 9 mM, 1 mM to about 8 mM, 2 mM to about 7 mM, 3 mM to about 6 mM, or 4 mM to about 5 mM. In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with glutamine (i.e., GlutaMAX®) at a concentration of about 2 mM.

In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with 2-mercaptoethanol at a concentration of from about 5 mM to about 150 mM, 10 mM to about 140 mM, 15 mM to about 130 mM, 20 mM to about 120 mM, 25 mM to about 110 mM, 30 mM to about 100 mM, 35 mM to about 95 mM, 40 mM to about 90 mM, 45 mM to about 85 mM, 50 mM to about 80 mM, 55 mM to about 75 mM, 60 mM to about 70 mM, or about 65 mM. In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with 2-mercaptoethanol at a concentration of about 55 mM. In some embodiments, the final concentration of 2-mercaptoethanol in the media is 55 μM.

In some embodiments, the defined media described in International PCT Publication No. WO/1998/030679, which is herein incorporated by reference, are useful in the present invention. In that publication, serum-free eukaryotic cell culture media are described. The serum-free, eukaryotic cell culture medium includes a basal cell culture medium supplemented with a serum-free supplement capable of supporting the growth of cells in serum-free culture. The serum-free eukaryotic cell culture medium supplement comprises or is obtained by combining one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of one or more albumins or albumin substitutes, one or more amino acids, one or more vitamins, one or more transferrins or transferrin substitutes, one or more antioxidants, one or more insulins or insulin substitutes, one or more collagen precursors, one or more trace elements, and one or more antibiotics. In some embodiments, the defined medium further comprises L-glutamine, sodium bicarbonate and/or beta-mercaptoethanol. In some embodiments, the defined medium comprises an albumin or an albumin substitute and one or more ingredients selected from group consisting of one or more amino acids, one or more vitamins, one or more transferrins or transferrin substitutes, one or more antioxidants, one or more insulins or insulin substitutes, one or more collagen precursors, and one or more trace elements. In some embodiments, the defined medium comprises albumin and one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of glycine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-proline, L-hydroxyproline, L-serine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, L-valine, thiamine, reduced glutathione, L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate, iron saturated transferrin, insulin, and compounds containing the trace element moieties Ag⁺, Al³⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, Ge⁴⁺, Se⁴⁺, Br, T, Mn²⁺, p, Si⁴⁺, V⁵⁺, Mo⁶⁺, Ni²⁺, Rb⁺, Sn²⁺ and Zr⁴⁺. In some embodiments, the basal cell media is selected from the group consisting of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), Minimal Essential Medium (MEM), Basal Medium Eagle (BME), RPMI 1640, F-10, F-12, Minimal Essential Medium (uMEM), Glasgow's Minimal Essential Medium (G-MEM), RPMI growth medium, and Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium.

In some embodiments, the concentration of glycine in the defined medium is in the range of from about 5-200 mg/L, the concentration of L-histidine is about 5-250 mg/L, the concentration of L-isoleucine is about 5-300 mg/L, the concentration of L-methionine is about 5-200 mg/L, the concentration of L-phenylalanine is about 5-400 mg/L, the concentration of L-proline is about 1-1000 mg/L, the concentration of L-hydroxyproline is about 1-45 mg/L, the concentration of L-serine is about 1-250 mg/L, the concentration of L-threonine is about 10⁻⁵⁰⁰ mg/L, the concentration of L-tryptophan is about 2-110 mg/L, the concentration of L-tyrosine is about 3-175 mg/L, the concentration of L-valine is about 5-500 mg/L, the concentration of thiamine is about 1-20 mg/L, the concentration of reduced glutathione is about 1-20 mg/L, the concentration of L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate is about 1-200 mg/L, the concentration of iron saturated transferrin is about 1-50 mg/L, the concentration of insulin is about 1-100 mg/L, the concentration of sodium selenite is about 0.000001-0.0001 mg/L, and the concentration of albumin (e.g., AlbuMAX® I) is about 5000-50,000 mg/L.

In some embodiments, the non-trace element moiety ingredients in the defined medium are present in the concentration ranges listed in the column under the heading “Concentration Range in 1× Medium” in Table 4. In other embodiments, the non-trace element moiety ingredients in the defined medium are present in the final concentrations listed in the column under the heading “A Preferred Embodiment of the 1× Medium” in Table 4. In other embodiments, the defined medium is a basal cell medium comprising a serum free supplement. In some of these embodiments, the serum free supplement comprises non-trace moiety ingredients of the type and in the concentrations listed in the column under the heading “A Preferred Embodiment in Supplement” in Table 4.

In some embodiments, the osmolarity of the defined medium is between about 260 and 350 mOsmol. In some embodiments, the osmolarity is between about 280 and 310 mOsmol. In some embodiments, the defined medium is supplemented with up to about 3.7 g/L, or about 2.2 g/L sodium bicarbonate. The defined medium can be further supplemented with L-glutamine (final concentration of about 2 mM), one or more antibiotics, non-essential amino acids (NEAA; final concentration of about 100 μM), 2-mercaptoethanol (final concentration of about 100 μM).

In some embodiments, the defined media described in Smith, et al., Clin Transl Immunology, 4(1) 2015 (doi: 10.1038/cti.2014.31) are useful in the present invention. Briefly, RPMI or CTS™ OpTmizer™ was used as the basal cell medium, and supplemented with either 0, 2%, 5%, or 10% CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement.

In some embodiments, the cell medium in the first and/or second gas permeable container is unfiltered. The use of unfiltered cell medium may simplify the procedures necessary to expand the number of cells. In some embodiments, the cell medium in the first and/or second gas permeable container lacks beta-mercaptoethanol (BME or PME; also known as 2-mercaptoethanol, CAS 60-24-2).

In some embodiments, the second expansion, for example, Step D according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , is performed in a closed system bioreactor. In some embodiments, a closed system is employed for the TIL expansion, as described herein. In some embodiments, a single bioreactor is employed. In some embodiments, the single bioreactor employed is for example a G-REX-10 or a G-REX-100. In some embodiments, the closed system bioreactor is a single bioreactor.

In some embodiments, the step of rapid or second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid or second expansion by culturing TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100 MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 7 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer of the TILs in the small scale culture to a second container larger than the first container, e.g., a G-REX-500-MCS container, and culturing the TILs from the small scale culture in a larger scale culture in the second container for a period of about 4 to 7 days.

In some embodiments, the step of rapid or second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid or second expansion by culturing TILs in a first small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100 MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 7 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the TILs from the first small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are equal in size to the first container, wherein in each second container the portion of the TILs from first small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a second small scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days.

In some embodiments, the first small scale TIL culture is apportioned into a plurality of about 2 to 5 subpopulations of TILs.

In some embodiments, the step of rapid or second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid or second expansion by culturing TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100 MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 7 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the TILs from the small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX-500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the TILs from the small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days.

In some embodiments, the step of rapid or second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid or second expansion by culturing TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100 MCS container, for a period of about 5 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the TILs from the small scale culture into and amongst 2, 3 or 4 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX-500 MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the TILs from the small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 6 days.

In some embodiments, upon the splitting of the rapid or second expansion, each second container comprises at least 10⁸ TILs. In some embodiments, upon the splitting of the rapid or second expansion, each second container comprises at least 10⁸ TILs, at least 10⁹ TILs, or at least 10¹⁰ TILs. In one exemplary embodiment, each second container comprises at least 10¹⁰ TILs.

In some embodiments, the first small scale TIL culture is apportioned into a plurality of subpopulations. In some embodiments, the first small scale TIL culture is apportioned into a plurality of about 2 to 5 subpopulations. In some embodiments, the first small scale TIL culture is apportioned into a plurality of about 2, 3, 4, or 5 subpopulations.

In some embodiments, after the completion of the rapid or second expansion, the plurality of subpopulations comprises a therapeutically effective amount of TILs. In some embodiments, after the completion of the rapid or second expansion, one or more subpopulations of TILs are pooled together to produce a therapeutically effective amount of TILs. In some embodiments, after the completion of the rapid expansion, each subpopulation of TILs comprises a therapeutically effective amount of TILs.

In some embodiments, the rapid or second expansion is performed for a period of about 3 to 7 days before being split into a plurality of steps. In some embodiments, the splitting of the rapid or second expansion occurs at about day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, or day 7 after the initiation of the rapid or second expansion.

In some embodiments, the splitting of the rapid or second expansion occurs at about day 7, day 8, day 9, day 10, day 11, day 12, day 13, day 14, day 15, or day 16 day 17, or day 18 after the initiation of the first expansion (i.e., pre-REP expansion). In one exemplary embodiment, the splitting of the rapid or second expansion occurs at about day 16 after the initiation of the first expansion.

In some embodiments, the rapid or second expansion is further performed for a period of about 7 to 11 days after the splitting. In some embodiments, the rapid or second expansion is further performed for a period of about 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, or 11 days after the splitting.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion before the splitting comprises the same components as the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion after the splitting. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion before the splitting comprises different components from the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion after the splitting.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion before the splitting comprises IL-2, optionally OKT-3 and further optionally APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion before the splitting comprises IL-2, OKT-3, and further optionally APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion before the splitting comprises IL-2, OKT-3 and APCs.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion before the splitting is generated by supplementing the cell culture medium in the first expansion with fresh culture medium comprising IL-2, optionally OKT-3 and further optionally APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion before the splitting is generated by supplementing the cell culture medium in the first expansion with fresh culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion before the splitting is generated by replacing the cell culture medium in the first expansion with fresh cell culture medium comprising IL-2, optionally OKT-3 and further optionally APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion before the splitting is generated by replacing the cell culture medium in the first expansion with fresh cell culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and APCs.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion after the splitting comprises IL-2, and optionally OKT-3. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion after the splitting comprises IL-2, and OKT-3. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion after the splitting is generated by replacing the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion before the splitting with fresh culture medium comprising IL-2 and optionally OKT-3. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion after the splitting is generated by replacing the cell culture medium used for the rapid or second expansion before the splitting with fresh culture medium comprising IL-2 and OKT-3.

In some embodiments, the splitting of the rapid expansion occurs in a closed system.

In some embodiments, the scaling up of the TIL culture during the rapid or second expansion comprises adding fresh cell culture medium to the TIL culture (also referred to as feeding the TILs). In some embodiments, the feeding comprises adding fresh cell culture medium to the TIL culture frequently. In some embodiments, the feeding comprises adding fresh cell culture medium to the TIL culture at a regular interval. In some embodiments, the fresh cell culture medium is supplied to the TILs via a constant flow. In some embodiments, an automated cell expansion system such as Xuri W25 is used for the rapid expansion and feeding.

1. Feeder Cells and Antigen Presenting Cells

In some embodiments, the second expansion procedures described herein (for example including expansion such as those described in Step D from FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , as well as those referred to as REP) require an excess of feeder cells during REP TIL expansion and/or during the second expansion. In many embodiments, the feeder cells are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from standard whole blood units from healthy blood donors. The PBMCs are obtained using standard methods such as Ficoll-Paque gradient separation.

In general, the allogeneic PBMCs are inactivated, either via irradiation or heat treatment, and used in the REP procedures, as described in the examples, which provides an exemplary protocol for evaluating the replication incompetence of irradiate allogeneic PBMCs.

In some embodiments, PBMCs are considered replication incompetent and accepted for use in the TIL expansion procedures described herein if the total number of viable cells on day 14 is less than the initial viable cell number put into culture on day 0 of the REP and/or day 0 of the second expansion (i.e., the start day of the second expansion).

In some embodiments, PBMCs are considered replication incompetent and accepted for use in the TIL expansion procedures described herein if the total number of viable cells, cultured in the presence of OKT3 and IL-2, on day 7 and day 14 has not increased from the initial viable cell number put into culture on day 0 of the REP and/or day 0 of the second expansion (i.e., the start day of the second expansion). In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 30 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 3000 IU/mL IL-2.

In some embodiments, PBMCs are considered replication incompetent and accepted for use in the TIL expansion procedures described herein if the total number of viable cells, cultured in the presence of OKT3 and IL-2, on day 7 and day 14 has not increased from the initial viable cell number put into culture on day 0 of the REP and/or day 0 of the second expansion (i.e., the start day of the second expansion). In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 5-60 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 1000-6000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 10⁻⁵⁰ ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 2000-5000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 20-40 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 2000-4000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 25-35 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 2500-3500 IU/mL IL-2.

In some embodiments, the antigen-presenting feeder cells are PBMCs. In some embodiments, the antigen-presenting feeder cells are artificial antigen-presenting feeder cells. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to antigen-presenting feeder cells in the second expansion is about 1 to 25, about 1 to 50, about 1 to 100, about 1 to 125, about 1 to 150, about 1 to 175, about 1 to 200, about 1 to 225, about 1 to 250, about 1 to 275, about 1 to 300, about 1 to 325, about 1 to 350, about 1 to 375, about 1 to 400, or about 1 to 500. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to antigen-presenting feeder cells in the second expansion is between 1 to 50 and 1 to 300. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to antigen-presenting feeder cells in the second expansion is between 1 to 100 and 1 to 200.

In some embodiments, the second expansion procedures described herein require a ratio of about 2.5×10⁹ feeder cells to about 100×10⁶ TIL. In other embodiments, the second expansion procedures described herein require a ratio of about 2.5×10⁹ feeder cells to about 50×10⁶ TILs. In yet other embodiments, the second expansion procedures described herein require about 2.5×10⁹ feeder cells to about 25×10⁶ TIL.

In some embodiments, the second expansion procedures described herein require an excess of feeder cells during the second expansion. In many embodiments, the feeder cells are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from standard whole blood units from healthy blood donors. The PBMCs are obtained using standard methods such as Ficoll-Paque gradient separation. In some embodiments, artificial antigen-presenting (aAPC) cells are used in place of PBMCs.

In general, the allogeneic PBMCs are inactivated, either via irradiation or heat treatment, and used in the TIL expansion procedures described herein, including the exemplary procedures described in the figures and examples.

In some embodiments, artificial antigen presenting cells are used in the second expansion as a replacement for, or in combination with, PBMCs.

2. Cytokines and Other Additives

The expansion methods described herein generally use culture media with high doses of a cytokine, in particular IL-2, as is known in the art.

In some embodiments, using combinations of cytokines for the rapid expansion and or second expansion of TILs is possible, with combinations of two or more of IL-2, IL-15 and IL-21 as is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2017/0107490 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Thus, possible combinations include IL-2 and IL-15, IL-2 and IL-21, IL-15 and IL-21 and IL-2, or IL-15 and IL-21. The use of combinations of cytokines specifically favors the generation of lymphocytes, and in particular T-cells as described therein. In some embodiments, IL-2 is added at a low concentration, for example, at about 10 IU/mL, about 20 IU/mL, about 30 IU/mL, about 40 IU/mL, about 50 IU/mL, about 100 IU/mL, about 200 IU/mL, about 300 IU/mL, about 400 IU/mL, about 500 IU/mL, about 600 IU/mL, about 700 IU/mL, about 800 IU/mL, about 900 IU/mL, about 1000 IU/mL, about 1500 IU/mL, about 2000 IU/mL, about 2500 IU/mL, about 3000 IU/mL, about 3500 IU/mL, or about 4000 IU/mL. In some embodiments, IL-2 is added at about 10⁻⁴⁰⁰⁰ IU/mL, at about 100-3000 IU/mL, at about 500-2000 IU/ML, or at about 1000-1500 IU/mL. In some embodiments, IL-2 is added at about 1000 IU/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 1 ng/mL, about 2 ng/mL, about 3 ng/mL, about 4 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, or about 100 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-21 is added at about 1 ng/mL, about 2 ng/mL, about 3 ng/mL, about 4 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, about 100 ng/mL, about 150 ng/mL, about 200 ng/mL, about 250 ng/mL, or about 300 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL and IL-21 is added at about 30 ng/mL. In some embodiments, one or more of IL-2, IL-15 and IL-21 is added twice during Step B, for example, at DO and D3, DO and D4, DO and D5, DO and D6, DO and D7, DO and D8, of Step B.

In some embodiments, Step D may also include the addition of OKT-3 antibody or muromonab to the culture media, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, Step D may also include the addition of a 4-1BB agonist to the culture media, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, Step D may also include the addition of an OX-40 agonist to the culture media, as described elsewhere herein. In addition, additives such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator I-alpha agonists, including proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists such as a thiazolidinedione compound, may be used in the culture media during Step D, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2019/0307796 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, Step D may also include the addition of protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor (AKTi) in the culture media. In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cultured in a medium comprising an AKT inhibitor to obtain a population of CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs. In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, Honokiol, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is ipatasertib. In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cultured in a medium comprising about 0.1p M, about 0.2 μM, about 0.3 μM, about 0.4 μM, about 0.5 μM, about 0.6 μM, about 0.7 μM, about 0.8 μM, about 0.9 μM, about 1 μM, about 1.1 μM, about 1.2 μM, about 1.3 μM, about 1.4 μM, about 1.5 μM, about 1.6 μM, about 1.7 μM, about 1.8 μM, about 1.9 μM, about 2 μM, about 2.1p M, about 2.2 μM, about 2.3 μM, about 2.4 μM, about 2.5 μM, about 2.6 μM, about 2.7 μM, about 2.8 μM, about 2.9 μM, about 3 μM, about 3.5 μM, about 4 μM, about 4.5 μM, about 5 μM, about 6 μM, about 7 μM, about 8 μM, about 9 μM, about 10 μM, about 20 μM, about 30μM, about 40 μM, about 50 μM, about 60 μM, about 70 μM, about 80μM, about 90 μM, or about 100 μM of an AKT inhibitor.

In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 2.5 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 7.5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 12.5 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, or about 20 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-21 is added at about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 45 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, or about 60 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-21 is added at about 30 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL and IL-21 is at about 30 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of a CD40 agonist, such as a CD40L or an anti-CD40 agonistic antibody at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, CD40L is added. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 agonistic antibody is added. In some embodiments, a CD40 agonist is added at about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 45 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, or about 60 ng/mL. In some embodiments, a CD40 agonist is added at about 30 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of a IFNγ at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, IFNγ is added. In some embodiments, IFNγ is added at about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 65 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 75 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 85 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, about 95 ng/mL, about 100 ng/mL, about 10⁵ ng/mL, about 110 ng/mL, about 115 ng/mL, about 120 ng/mL, about 125 ng/mL, about 130 ng/mL, about 135 ng/mL, about 140 ng/mL, about 145 ng/mL, about 150 ng/mL about 155 ng/mL, about 160 ng/mL, about 165 ng/mL about 170 ng/mL, about 175 ng/mL, about 180 ng/mL, about 185 ng/mL, about 190 ng/mL, about 195 ng/mL, about 200 ng/mL, about 205 ng/mL, about 210 ng/mL, about 215 ng/mL about 220 ng/mL, about 225 ng/mL, about 230 ng/mL, about 235 ng/mL, about 240 ng/mL, about 245 ng/mL, about 250 ng/mL, about 255 ng/mL, about 260 ng/mL, about 265 ng/mL, about 270 ng/mL, about 275 ng/mL, about 280 ng/mL, about 285 ng/mL, about 290 ng/mL, about 295 ng/mL, or about 300 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IFNγ is added at about 200 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of an anti-PD-1 antibody at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, an anti-PD-1 antibody is added at about 5 μg/mL, about 10 μg/mL, about 15 μg/mL, about 20 μg/mL, about 25 μg/mL, about 30 μg/mL, about 35 μg/mL, about 40 μg/mL, about 45 μg/mL, about 50 μg/mL, about 55 μg/mL, or about 60 μg/mL. In some embodiments, an anti-PD-1 antibody is added at about 10 μg/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of an anti-CTLA-4 antibody at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody is added at about 5 μg/mL, about 10 μg/mL, about 15 μg/mL, about 20 μg/mL, about 25 μg/mL, about 30 μg/mL, about 35 μg/mL, about 40 μg/mL, about 45 μg/mL, about 50 μg/mL, about 55 μg/mL, or about 60 μg/mL. In some embodiments, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody is added at about 10 μg/mL.

E. STEP E: Harvest TILs

After the second expansion step, cells can be harvested. In some embodiments the TILs are harvested after one, two, three, four or more expansion steps, for example as provided in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments the TILs are harvested after two expansion steps, for example as provided in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 .

TILs can be harvested in any appropriate and sterile manner, including for example by centrifugation. Methods for TIL harvesting are well known in the art and any such know methods can be employed with the present process. In some embodiments, TILs are harvested using an automated system.

Cell harvesters and/or cell processing systems are commercially available from a variety of sources, including, for example, Fresenius Kabi, Tomtec Life Science, Perkin Elmer, and Inotech Biosystems International, Inc. Any cell based harvester can be employed with the present methods. In some embodiments, the cell harvester and/or cell processing systems is a membrane-based cell harvester. In some embodiments, cell harvesting is via a cell processing system, such as the LOVO system (manufactured by Fresenius Kabi). The term “LOVO cell processing system” also refers to any instrument or device manufactured by any vendor that can pump a solution comprising cells through a membrane or filter such as a spinning membrane or spinning filter in a sterile and/or closed system environment, allowing for continuous flow and cell processing to remove supernatant or cell culture media without pelletization. In some embodiments, the cell harvester and/or cell processing system can perform cell separation, washing, fluid-exchange, concentration, and/or other cell processing steps in a closed, sterile system.

In some embodiments, the harvest, for example, Step E according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , is performed from a closed system bioreactor. In some embodiments, a closed system is employed for the TIL expansion, as described herein. In some embodiments, a single bioreactor is employed. In some embodiments, the single bioreactor employed is for example a G-REX-10 or a G-REX-100. In some embodiments, the closed system bioreactor is a single bioreactor.

In some embodiments, Step E according to FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , is performed according to the processes described herein. In some embodiments, the closed system is accessed via syringes under sterile conditions in order to maintain the sterility and closed nature of the system. In some embodiments, a closed system as described in the Examples is employed.

In some embodiments, TILs are harvested according to the methods described in the Examples. In some embodiments, TILs between days 1 and 11 are harvested using the methods as described in the steps referred herein, such as in the day 11 TIL harvest in the Examples. In some embodiments, TILs between days 12 and 24 are harvested using the methods as described in the steps referred herein, such as in the Day 22 TIL harvest in the Examples. In some embodiments, the invention provides the therapeutic TIL population or the TIL composition described in the harvesting step described herein be assessed or sorted for e.g., (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) TILs. Methods for sorting TILs that are (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) may be found in U.S. Application No. 2019/0212332, which is incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, cell sorting is performed using methods described in Zhang, X et. al., Surface Free Energy Activated High-Throughput Cell Sorting, Analytical Chemistry (2014), 86: 9350-9355, which is incorporated by reference herein. Example 15 and FIG. 35 provide additional examplse of sorting protocols suitable for use in the methods of the invention.

F. STEP F: Final Formulation and Transfer to Infusion Container

After Steps A through E as provided in an exemplary order in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 and as outlined in detailed above and herein are complete, cells are transferred to a container for use in administration to a patient, such as an infusion bag or sterile vial. In some embodiments, once a therapeutically sufficient number of TILs are obtained using the expansion methods described above, they are transferred to a container for use in administration to a patient.

In some embodiments, TILs expanded using APCs of the present disclosure are administered to a patient as a pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is a suspension of TILs in a sterile buffer. TILs expanded using PBMCs of the present disclosure may be administered by any suitable route as known in the art. In some embodiments, the T-cells are administered as a single intra-arterial or intravenous infusion, which preferably lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Other suitable routes of administration include intraperitoneal, intrathecal, and intralymphatic administration.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that (a) before the sorting step (i) the bulk TILs, or first population of TILs, in the tumor fragments or sample is/are cultured in a cell culture medium containing IL-2 and optionally the first combination of antibiotics to produce TILs that egress from the tumor fragments or sample, (ii) at least a plurality of TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample is/are separated from the tumor fragments or sample to produce a mixture of the tumor fragments or sample, TILs remaining in the tumor fragments or sample, and any TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample and remained therewith after the separation, and (iii) the mixture of the tumor fragments or sample, TILs remaining in the tumor fragments or sample, and any TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample and remained therewith after the separation, is/are digested to produce a digest of such mixture; (b) the digest of the mixture is sorted to produce a CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs and (b) the first expansion is performed using the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO)population of TILs. In some embodiments, at least about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more of TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample are separated from the tumor fragments or sample to produce the mixture.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of culturing before the first expansion is performed for a period of about 1 day to about 3 days.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of culturing before the first expansion is performed for a period of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that (a) the digest, sorting, stimulating, and first expansion steps comprise (i) culturing the bulk TILs, or first population of TILs, in the tumor fragments or sample in a cell culture medium containing IL-2 to produce TILs that egress from the tumor fragments or sample, (ii) separating at least a plurality of TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample from the tumor fragments or sample to produce a mixture of the tumor fragments or sample, TILs remaining in the tumor fragments or sample, and any TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample and remained therewith after the separation, (iii) the mixture of the tumor fragments or sample, TILs remaining in the tumor fragments or sample, and any TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample and remained therewith after the separation, is/are digested to produce a digest of such mixture; and (optionally, (iv) the digest of the mixture is sorted to produce a particular population, e.g., CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO)population of TILs), and (b) the second expansion is performed with the sorted population of TILs. In some embodiments, at least about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more of TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample are separated from the tumor fragments or sample to produce the mixture.

IV. Gen 3 TIL Manufacturing Processes

Without being limited to any particular theory, it is believed that the priming first expansion that primes an activation of T cells followed by the rapid second expansion that boosts the activation of T cells as described in the methods of the invention allows the preparation of expanded T cells that retain a “younger” phenotype, and as such the expanded T cells of the invention are expected to exhibit greater cytotoxicity against cancer cells than T cells expanded by other methods. In particular, it is believed that an activation of T cells that is primed by exposure to an anti-CD3 antibody (e.g. OKT-3), IL-2 and optionally antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and then boosted by subsequent exposure to additional anti-CD-3 antibody (e.g. OKT-3), IL-2 and APCs as taught by the methods of the invention limits or avoids the maturation of T cells in culture, yielding a population of T cells with a less mature phenotype, which T cells are less exhausted by expansion in culture and exhibit greater cytotoxicity against cancer cells. In some embodiments, the step of rapid second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing T cells in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100 MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer of the T cells in the small scale culture to a second container larger than the first container, e.g., a G-REX-500 MCS container, and culturing the T cells from the small scale culture in a larger scale culture in the second container for a period of about 4 to 7 days. In some embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing T cells in a first small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100 MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the T cells from the first small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are equal in size to the first container, wherein in each second container the portion of the T cells from first small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a second small scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days. In some embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing T cells in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100 MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the T cells from the small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX-500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the T cells from the small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days. In some embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing T cells in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100 MCS container, for a period of about 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the T cells from the small scale culture into and amongst 2, 3 or 4 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX-500 MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the T cells from the small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 5 days.

In some embodiments, upon the splitting of the rapid expansion, each second container comprises at least 10⁸ TILs. In some embodiments, upon the splitting of the rapid expansion, each second container comprises at least 10⁸ TILs, at least 10⁹ TILs, or at least 10¹⁰ TILs. In one exemplary embodiment, each second container comprises at least 10¹⁰ TILs.

In some embodiments, the first small scale TIL culture is apportioned into a plurality of subpopulations. In some embodiments, the first small scale TIL culture is apportioned into a plurality of about 2 to 5 subpopulations. In some embodiments, the first small scale TIL culture is apportioned into a plurality of about 2, 3, 4, or 5 subpopulations.

In some embodiments, after the completion of the rapid expansion, the plurality of subpopulations comprises a therapeutically effective amount of TILs. In some embodiments, after the completion of the rapid expansion, one or more subpopulations of TILs are pooled together to produce a therapeutically effective amount of TILs. In some embodiments, after the completion of the rapid expansion, each subpopulation of TILs comprises a therapeutically effective amount of TILs.

In some embodiments, the rapid expansion is performed for a period of about 1 to 5 days before being split into a plurality of steps. In some embodiments, the splitting of the rapid expansion occurs at about day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, or day 5 after the initiation of the rapid expansion.

In some embodiments, the splitting of the rapid expansion occurs at about day 8, day 9, day 10, day 11, day 12, or day 13 after the initiation of the first expansion (i.e., pre-REP expansion). In one exemplary embodiment, the splitting of the rapid expansion occurs at about day 10 after the initiation of the priming first expansion. In another exemplary embodiment, the splitting of the rapid expansion occurs at about day 11 after the initiation of the priming first expansion.

In some embodiments, the rapid expansion is further performed for a period of about 4 to 11 days after the splitting. In some embodiments, the rapid expansion is further performed for a period of about 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, or 11 days after the splitting.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion before the splitting comprises the same components as the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion after the splitting. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion before the splitting comprises different components from the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion after the splitting.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion before the splitting comprises IL-2, optionally OKT-3 and further optionally APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion before the splitting comprises IL-2, OKT-3, and further optionally APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion before the splitting comprises IL-2, OKT-3 and APCs.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion before the splitting is generated by supplementing the cell culture medium in the first expansion with fresh culture medium comprising IL-2, optionally OKT-3 and further optionally APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion before the splitting is generated by supplementing the cell culture medium in the first expansion with fresh culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion before the splitting is generated by replacing the cell culture medium in the first expansion with fresh cell culture medium comprising IL-2, optionally OKT-3 and further optionally APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion before the splitting is generated by replacing the cell culture medium in the first expansion with fresh cell culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and APCs.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion after the splitting comprises IL-2, and optionally OKT-3. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion after the splitting comprises IL-2, and OKT-3.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion after the splitting is generated by replacing the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion before the splitting with fresh culture medium comprising IL-2 and optionally OKT-3. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion after the splitting is generated by replacing the cell culture medium used for the rapid expansion before the splitting with fresh culture medium comprising IL-2 and OKT-3.

In some embodiments, the splitting of the rapid expansion occurs in a closed system.

In some embodiments, the scaling up of the TIL culture during the rapid expansion comprises adding fresh cell culture medium to the TIL culture (also referred to as feeding the TILs). In some embodiments, the feeding comprises adding fresh cell culture medium to the TIL culture frequently. In some embodiments, the feeding comprises adding fresh cell culture medium to the TIL culture at a regular interval. In some embodiments, the fresh cell culture medium is supplied to the TILs via a constant flow. In some embodiments, an automated cell expansion system such as Xuri W25 is used for the rapid expansion and feeding.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion is performed after the activation of T cells effected by the priming first expansion begins to decrease, abate, decay or subside.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion is performed after the activation of T cells effected by the priming first expansion has decreased by at or about 1, 2, 3,4,5,6,7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100%.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion is performed after the activation of T cells effected by the priming first expansion has decreased by a percentage in the range of at or about 1% to 100%.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion is performed after the activation of T cells effected by the priming first expansion has decreased by a percentage in the range of at or about 1% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 20% to 30%, 30% to 40%, 40% to 50%, 50% to 60%, 60% to 70%, 70% to 80%, 80% to 90%, or 90% to 100%.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion is performed after the activation of T cells effected by the priming first expansion has decreased by at least at or about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99%.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion is performed after the activation of T cells effected by the priming first expansion has decreased by up to at or about 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100%.

In some embodiments, the decrease in the activation of T cells effected by the priming first expansion is determined by a reduction in the amount of interferon gamma released by the T cells in response to stimulation with antigen.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion of T cells is performed during a period of up to at or about 7 days or about 8 days.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion of T cells is performed during a period of up to at or about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, or 8 days.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion of T cells is performed during a period of 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, or 8 days.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion of T cells is performed during a period of up to at or about 11 days.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion of T cells is performed during a period of up to at or about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days or 11 days.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion of T cells is performed during a period of 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days or 11 days.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion of T cells is performed during a period of from at or about 1 day to at or about 7 days and the rapid second expansion of T cells is performed during a period of from at or about 1 day to at or about 11 days.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion of T cells is performed during a period of up to at or about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, or 8 days and the rapid second expansion of T cells is performed during a period of up to at or about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days or 11 days.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion of T cells is performed during a period of from at or about 1 day to at or about 8 days and the rapid second expansion of T cells is performed during a period of from at or about 1 day to at or about 9 days.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion of T cells is performed during a period of 8 days and the rapid second expansion of T cells is performed during a period of 9 days.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion of T cells is performed during a period of from at or about 1 day to at or about 7 days and the rapid second expansion of T cells is performed during a period of from at or about 1 day to at or about 9 days.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion of T cells is performed during a period of 7 days and the rapid second expansion of T cells is performed during a period of 9 days.

In some embodiments, the T cells are tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).

In some embodiments, the T cells are marrow infiltrating lymphocytes (MILs).

In some embodiments, the T cells are peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs).

In some embodiments, the T cells are obtained from a donor suffering from a cancer.

In some embodiments, the T cells are TILs obtained from a tumor excised from a patient suffering from a cancer.

In some embodiments, the T cells are MILs obtained from bone marrow of a patient suffering from a hematologic malignancy.

In some embodiments, the T cells are PBLs obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a donor. In some embodiments, the donor is suffering from a cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is the cancer is selected from the group consisting of melanoma, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, thyroid cancer, cervical cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), lung cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, cancer caused by human papilloma virus, head and neck cancer (including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)), glioblastoma (including GBM), gastrointestinal cancer, renal cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. In some embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of melanoma, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), lung cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, cancer caused by human papilloma virus, head and neck cancer (including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)), glioblastoma (including GBM), gastrointestinal cancer, renal cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. In some embodiments, the donor is suffering from a tumor. In some embodiments, the tumor is a liquid tumor. In some embodiments, the tumor is a solid tumor.

In some embodiments, the donor is suffering from a hematologic malignancy.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, immune effector cells, e.g., T cells, can be obtained from a unit of blood collected from a subject using any number of techniques known to the skilled artisan, such as FICOLL separation. In one preferred aspect, cells from the circulating blood of an individual are obtained by apheresis. The apheresis product typically contains lymphocytes, including T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, B cells, other nucleated white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. In one aspect, the cells collected by apheresis may be washed to remove the plasma fraction and, optionally, to place the cells in an appropriate buffer or media for subsequent processing steps. In some embodiments, the cells are washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In an alternative embodiment, the wash solution lacks calcium and may lack magnesium or may lack many if not all divalent cations. In one aspect, T cells are isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes by lysing the red blood cells and depleting the monocytes, for example, by centrifugation through a PERCOLL gradient or by counterflow centrifugal elutriation.

In some embodiments, the T cells are PBLs separated from whole blood or apheresis product enriched for lymphocytes from a donor. In some embodiments, the donor is suffering from a cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is the cancer is selected from the group consisting of melanoma, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, thyroid cancer, cervical cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), lung cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, cancer caused by human papilloma virus, head and neck cancer (including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)), glioblastoma (including GBM), gastrointestinal cancer, renal cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. In some embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of melanoma, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), lung cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, cancer caused by human papilloma virus, head and neck cancer (including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)), glioblastoma (including GBM), gastrointestinal cancer, renal cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. In some embodiments, the donor is suffering from a tumor. In some embodiments, the tumor is a liquid tumor. In some embodiments, the tumor is a solid tumor.

In some embodiments, the donor is suffering from a hematologic malignancy. In some embodiments, the PBLs are isolated from whole blood or apheresis product enriched for lymphocytes by using positive or negative selection methods, i.e., removing the PBLs using a marker(s), e.g., CD3+CD45+, for T cell phenotype, or removing non-T cell phenotype cells, leaving PBLs. In other embodiments, the PBLs are isolated by gradient centrifugation. Upon isolation of PBLs from donor tissue, the priming first expansion of PBLs can be initiated by seeding a suitable number of isolated PBLs (in some embodiments, approximately 1×10⁷ PBLs) in the priming first expansion culture according to the priming first expansion step of any of the methods described herein.

An exemplary TIL process known as process 3 (also referred to herein as Gen 3) containing some of these features is depicted in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), and some of the advantages of this embodiment of the present invention over Gen 2 are described in FIGS. 1, 2, 8, 30, and 31 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). Embodiments of Gen 3 are shown in FIGS. 1, 8, and 30 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). Process 2A or Gen 2 or Gen 2A is also described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018/0280436, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The Gen 3 process is also described in International Patent Publication WO 2020/096988.

As discussed and generally outlined herein, TILs are taken from a patient sample and manipulated to expand their number prior to transplant into a patient using the TIL expansion process described herein and referred to as Gen 3. In some embodiments, the TILs may be optionally genetically manipulated as discussed below. In some embodiments, the TILs may be cryopreserved prior to or after expansion. Once thawed, they may also be restimulated to increase their metabolism prior to infusion into a patient.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes referred herein as the pre-Rapid Expansion (Pre-REP), as well as processes shown in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) as Step B) is shortened to 1 to 8 days and the rapid second expansion (including processes referred to herein as Rapid Expansion Protocol (REP) as well as processes shown in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) as Step D) is shortened to 1 to 9 days, as discussed in detail below as well as in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes referred herein as the pre-Rapid Expansion (Pre-REP), as well as processes shown in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) as Step B) is shortened to 1 to 8 days and the rapid second expansion (including processes referred to herein as Rapid Expansion Protocol (REP) as well as processes shown in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) as Step D) is shortened to 1 to 8 days, as discussed in detail below as well as in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes referred herein as the pre-Rapid Expansion (Pre-REP), as well as processes shown in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) as Step B) is shortened to 1 to 7 days and the rapid second expansion (including processes referred to herein as Rapid Expansion Protocol (REP) as well as processes shown in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) as Step D) is shortened to 1 to 9 days, as discussed in detail below as well as in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes referred herein as the pre-Rapid Expansion (Pre-REP), as well as processes shown in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 1B and/or FIG. 8C) as Step B) is 1 to 7 days and the rapid second expansion (including processes referred to herein as Rapid Expansion Protocol (REP) as well as processes shown in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) as Step D) is 1 to 10 days, as discussed in detail below as well as in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (for example, an expansion described as Step B in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) is shortened to 8 days and the rapid second expansion (for example, an expansion as described in Step D in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 7 to 9 days. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (for example, an expansion described as Step B in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 8 days and the rapid second expansion (for example, an expansion as described in Step D in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 8 to 9 days. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (for example, an expansion described as Step B in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is shortened to 7 days and the rapid second expansion (for example, an expansion as described in Step D in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 7 to 8 days. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (for example, an expansion described as Step B in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is shortened to 8 days and the rapid second expansion (for example, an expansion as described in Step D in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 8 days. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (for example, an expansion described as Step B in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 8 days and the rapid second expansion (for example, an expansion as described in Step D in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 9 days. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (for example, an expansion described as Step B in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 8 days and the rapid second expansion (for example, an expansion as described in Step D in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 10 days. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (for example, an expansion described as Step B in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 7 days and the rapid second expansion (for example, an expansion as described in Step D in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 7 to 10 days. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (for example, an expansion described as Step B in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 7 days and the rapid second expansion (for example, an expansion as described in Step D in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 8 to 10 days. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (for example, an expansion described as Step B in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 7 days and the rapid second expansion (for example, an expansion as described in Step D in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) is 9 to 10 days. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (for example, an expansion described as Step B in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) is shortened to 7 days and the rapid second expansion (for example, an expansion as described in Step D in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) is 7 to 9 days. In some embodiments, the combination of the priming first expansion and rapid second expansion (for example, expansions described as Step B and Step D in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 1B and/or FIG. 8C) is 14-16 days, as discussed in detail below and in the examples and figures.

Particularly, it is considered that certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a priming first expansion step in which TILs are activated by exposure to an anti-CD3 antibody, e.g., OKT-3 in the presence of IL-2 or exposure to an antigen in the presence of at least IL-2 and an anti-CD3 antibody e.g. OKT-3. In certain embodiments, the TILs which are activated in the priming first expansion step as described above are a first population of TILs i.e., which are a primary cell population.

The “Step” Designations A, B, C, etc., below are in reference to the non-limiting example in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) and in reference to certain non-limiting embodiments described herein. The ordering of the Steps below and in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) is exemplary and any combination or order of steps, as well as additional steps, repetition of steps, and/or omission of steps is contemplated by the present application and the methods disclosed herein.

A. STEP A: Obtain Patient Tumor Sample

In general, TILs are initially obtained from a patient tumor sample (“primary TILs”) or from circulating lymphocytes, such as peripheral blood lymphocytes, including peripheral blood lymphocytes having TIL-like characteristics, and are then expanded into a larger population for further manipulation as described herein, optionally cryopreserved, and optionally evaluated for phenotype and metabolic parameters as an indication of TIL health.

A patient tumor sample may be obtained using methods known in the art, generally via surgical resection, needle biopsy or other means for obtaining a sample that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells. In general, the tumor sample may be from any solid tumor, including primary tumors, invasive tumors or metastatic tumors. The tumor sample may also be a liquid tumor, such as a tumor obtained from a hematological malignancy. The solid tumor may be of any cancer type, including, but not limited to, breast, pancreatic, prostate, colorectal, lung, brain, renal, stomach, and skin (including but not limited to squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma). In some embodiments, the cancer is selected from cervical cancer, head and neck cancer (including, for example, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)), glioblastoma (GBM), gastrointestinal cancer, ovarian cancer, sarcoma, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer, and non-small cell lung carcinoma. In some embodiments, the cancer is melanoma. In some embodiments, useful TILs are obtained from malignant melanoma tumors, as these have been reported to have particularly high levels of TILs.

Once obtained, the tumor sample is generally fragmented using sharp dissection into small pieces of between 1 to about 8 mm³, with from about 2-3 mm³ being particularly useful. The TILs are cultured from these fragments using enzymatic tumor digests. Such tumor digests may be produced by incubation in enzymatic media (e.g., Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 buffer, 2 mM glutamate, 10 mcg/mL gentamicine, 30 units/mL of DNase and 1.0 mg/mL of collagenase) followed by mechanical dissociation (e.g., using a tissue dissociator). Tumor digests may be produced by placing the tumor in enzymatic media and mechanically dissociating the tumor for approximately 1 minute, followed by incubation for 30 minutes at 37° C. in 5% CO₂, followed by repeated cycles of mechanical dissociation and incubation under the foregoing conditions until only small tissue pieces are present. At the end of this process, if the cell suspension contains a large number of red blood cells or dead cells, a density gradient separation using FICOLL branched hydrophilic polysaccharide may be performed to remove these cells. Alternative methods known in the art may be used, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0244133 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Any of the foregoing methods may be used in any of the embodiments described herein for methods of expanding TILs or methods treating a cancer.

As indicated above, in some embodiments, the TILs are derived from solid tumors. In some embodiments, the solid tumors are not fragmented. In some embodiments, the solid tumors are not fragmented and are subjected to enzymatic digestion as whole tumors. In some embodiments, the tumors are digested in in an enzyme mixture comprising collagenase, DNase, and hyaluronidase. In some embodiments, the tumors are digested in in an enzyme mixture comprising collagenase, DNase, and hyaluronidase for 1-2 hours. In some embodiments, the tumors are digested in in an enzyme mixture comprising collagenase, DNase, and hyaluronidase for 1-2 hours at 37° C., 5% CO₂. In some embodiments, the tumors are digested in in an enzyme mixture comprising collagenase, DNase, and hyaluronidase for 1-2 hours at 37° C., 5% CO₂ with rotation. In some embodiments, the tumors are digested overnight with constant rotation. In some embodiments, the tumors are digested overnight at 37° C., 5% CO₂ with constant rotation. In some embodiments, the whole tumor is combined with the enzymes to form a tumor digest reaction mixture.

In some embodiments, the tumor is reconstituted with the lyophilized enzymes in a sterile buffer. In some embodiments, the buffer is sterile HBSS.

In some embodiments, the enzyme mixture comprises collagenase. In some embodiments, the collagenase is collagenase IV. In some embodiments, the working stock for the collagenase is a 100 mg/mL 10× working stock.

In some embodiments, the enzyme mixture comprises DNAse. In some embodiments, the working stock for the DNAse is a 10,000 IU/mL 10× working stock.

In some embodiments, the enzyme mixture comprises hyaluronidase. In some embodiments, the working stock for the hyaluronidase is a 10 mg/mL 10× working stock.

In some embodiments, the enzyme mixture comprises 10 mg/mL collagenase, 1000 IU/mL DNAse, and 1 mg/mL hyaluronidase.

In some embodiments, the enzyme mixture comprises 10 mg/mL collagenase, 500 IU/mL DNAse, and 1 mg/mL hyaluronidase.

In general, the cell suspension obtained from the tumor is called a “primary cell population” or a “freshly obtained” or a “freshly isolated” cell population. In certain embodiments, the freshly obtained cell population of TILs is exposed to a cell culture medium comprising antigen presenting cells, IL-12 and OKT-3.

In some embodiments, fragmentation includes physical fragmentation, including, for example, dissection as well as digestion. In some embodiments, the fragmentation is physical fragmentation. In some embodiments, the fragmentation is dissection. In some embodiments, the fragmentation is by digestion. In some embodiments, TILs can be initially cultured from enzymatic tumor digests and tumor fragments obtained from patients. In some embodiments, TILs can be initially cultured from enzymatic tumor digests and tumor fragments obtained from patients.

In some embodiments, where the tumor is a solid tumor, the tumor undergoes physical fragmentation after the tumor sample is obtained in, for example, Step A (as provided in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)). In some embodiments, the fragmentation occurs before cryopreservation. In some embodiments, the fragmentation occurs after cryopreservation. In some embodiments, the fragmentation occurs after obtaining the tumor and in the absence of any cryopreservation. In some embodiments, the step of fragmentation is an in vitro or ex-vivo process. In some embodiments, the tumor is fragmented and 10, 20, 30, 40 or more fragments or pieces are placed in each container for the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the tumor is fragmented and 30 or 40 fragments or pieces are placed in each container for the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the tumor is fragmented and 40 fragments or pieces are placed in each container for the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the multiple fragments comprise about 4 to about 50 fragments, wherein each fragment has a volume of about 27 mm³. In some embodiments, the multiple fragments comprise about 30 to about 60 fragments with a total volume of about 1300 mm³ to about 1500 mm³. In some embodiments, the multiple fragments comprise about 50 fragments with a total volume of about 1350 mm³. In some embodiments, the multiple fragments comprise about 50 fragments with a total mass of about 1 gram to about 1.5 grams. In some embodiments, the multiple fragments comprise about 4 fragments.

In some embodiments, the TILs are obtained from tumor fragments. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is obtained by sharp dissection. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is between about 1 mm³ and 10 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is between about 1 mm³ and 8 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 1 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 2 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 3 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 4 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 5 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 6 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 7 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 8 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 9 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is about 10 mm³. In some embodiments, the tumor fragments are 1-4 mmx 1-4 mm×1-4 mm. In some embodiments, the tumor fragments are 1 mm×1 mm×1 mm. In some embodiments, the tumor fragments are 2 mmx 2 mm×2 mm. In some embodiments, the tumor fragments are 3 mm×3 mm×3 mm. In some embodiments, the tumor fragments are 4 mmx 4 mm×4 mm.

In some embodiments, the tumors are fragmented in order to minimize the amount of hemorrhagic, necrotic, and/or fatty tissues on each piece. In some embodiments, the tumors are fragmented in order to minimize the amount of hemorrhagic tissue on each piece. In some embodiments, the tumors are fragmented in order to minimize the amount of necrotic tissue on each piece. In some embodiments, the tumors are fragmented in order to minimize the amount of fatty tissue on each piece. In certain embodiments, the step of fragmentation of the tumor is an in vitro or ex-vivo method.

In some embodiments, the tumor fragmentation is performed in order to maintain the tumor internal structure. In some embodiments, the tumor fragmentation is performed without preforming a sawing motion with a scalpel. In some embodiments, the TILs are obtained from tumor digests. In some embodiments, tumor digests were generated by incubation in enzyme media, for example but not limited to RPMI 1640, 2 mM GlutaMAX, 10 mg/mL gentamicin, 30 U/mL DNase, and 1.0 mg/mL collagenase, followed by mechanical dissociation (GentleMACS, Miltenyi Biotec, Auburn, CA). After placing the tumor in enzyme media, the tumor can be mechanically dissociated for approximately 1 minute. The solution can then be incubated for 30 minutes at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ and it then mechanically disrupted again for approximately 1 minute. After being incubated again for 30 minutes at 37° C. in 5% CO₂, the tumor can be mechanically disrupted a third time for approximately 1 minute. In some embodiments, after the third mechanical disruption if large pieces of tissue were present, 1 or 2 additional mechanical dissociations were applied to the sample, with or without 30 additional minutes of incubation at 37° C. in 5% CO₂. In some embodiments, at the end of the final incubation if the cell suspension contained a large number of red blood cells or dead cells, a density gradient separation using Ficoll can be performed to remove these cells.

In some embodiments, the cell suspension prior to the priming first expansion step is called a “primary cell population” or a “freshly obtained” or “freshly isolated” cell population.

In some embodiments, cells can be optionally frozen after sample isolation (e.g., after obtaining the tumor sample and/or after obtaining the cell suspension from the tumor sample) and stored frozen prior to entry into the expansion described in Step B, which is described in further detail below, as well as exemplified in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8B).

1. Core/Small Biopsy Derived TILs

In some embodiments, TILs are initially obtained from a patient tumor sample (“primary TILs”) obtained by a core biopsy or similar procedure and then expanded into a larger population for further manipulation as described herein, optionally cryopreserved, and optionally evaluated for phenotype and metabolic parameters.

In some embodiments, a patient tumor sample may be obtained using methods known in the art, generally via small biopsy, core biopsy, needle biopsy or other means for obtaining a sample that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells. In general, the tumor sample may be from any solid tumor, including primary tumors, invasive tumors or metastatic tumors. The tumor sample may also be a liquid tumor, such as a tumor obtained from a hematological malignancy. In some embodiments, the sample can be from multiple small tumor samples or biopsies. In some embodiments, the sample can comprise multiple tumor samples from a single tumor from the same patient. In some embodiments, the sample can comprise multiple tumor samples from one, two, three, or four tumors from the same patient. In some embodiments, the sample can comprise multiple tumor samples from multiple tumors from the same patient. The solid tumor may be a lung and/or non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

In general, the cell suspension obtained from the tumor core or fragment is called a “primary cell population” or a “freshly obtained” or a “freshly isolated” cell population. In certain embodiments, the freshly obtained cell population of TILs is exposed to a cell culture medium comprising antigen presenting cells, IL-2 and OKT-3.

In some embodiments, if the tumor is metastatic and the primary lesion has been efficiently treated/removed in the past, removal of one of the metastatic lesions may be needed. In some embodiments, the least invasive approach is to remove a skin lesion, or a lymph node on the neck or axillary area when available. In some embodiments, a skin lesion is removed or small biopsy thereof is removed. In some embodiments, a lymph node or small biopsy thereof is removed. In some embodiments, the tumor is a melanoma. In some embodiments, the small biopsy for a melanoma comprises a mole or portion thereof.

In some embodiments, the small biopsy is a punch biopsy. In some embodiments, the punch biopsy is obtained with a circular blade pressed into the skin. In some embodiments, the punch biopsy is obtained with a circular blade pressed into the skin. around a suspicious mole. In some embodiments, the punch biopsy is obtained with a circular blade pressed into the skin, and a round piece of skin is removed. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is a punch biopsy and round portion of the tumor is removed.

In some embodiments, the small biopsy is an excisional biopsy. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is an excisional biopsy and the entire mole or growth is removed. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is an excisional biopsy and the entire mole or growth is removed along with a small border of normal-appearing skin.

In some embodiments, the small biopsy is an incisional biopsy. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is an incisional biopsy and only the most irregular part of a mole or growth is taken. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is an incisional biopsy and the incisional biopsy is used when other techniques can't be completed, such as if a suspicious mole is very large.

In some embodiments, the small biopsy is a lung biopsy. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is obtained by bronchoscopy. Generally, bronchoscopy, the patient is put under anesthesia, and a small tool goes through the nose or mouth, down the throat, and into the bronchial passages, where small tools are used to remove some tissue. In some embodiments, where the tumor or growth cannot be reached via bronchoscopy, a transthoracic needle biopsy can be employed. Generally, for a transthoracic needle biopsy, the patient is also under anesthesia and a needle is inserted through the skin directly into the suspicious spot to remove a small sample of tissue. In some embodiments, a transthoracic needle biopsy may require interventional radiology (for example, the use of x-rays or CT scan to guide the needle). In some embodiments, the small biopsy is obtained by needle biopsy. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is obtained endoscopic ultrasound (for example, an endoscope with a light and is placed through the mouth into the esophagus). In some embodiments, the small biopsy is obtained surgically.

In some embodiments, the small biopsy is a head and neck biopsy. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is an incisional biopsy. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is an incisional biopsy, wherein a small piece of tissue is cut from an abnormal-looking area. In some embodiments, if the abnormal region is easily accessed, the sample may be taken without hospitalization. In some embodiments, if the tumor is deeper inside the mouth or throat, the biopsy may need to be done in an operating room, with general anesthesia. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is an excisional biopsy. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is an excisional biopsy, wherein the whole area is removed. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is a fine needle aspiration (FNA). In some embodiments, the small biopsy is a fine needle aspiration (FNA), wherein a very thin needle attached to a syringe is used to extract (aspirate) cells from a tumor or lump. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is a punch biopsy. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is a punch biopsy, wherein punch forceps are used to remove a piece of the suspicious area.

In some embodiments, the small biopsy is a cervical biopsy. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is obtained via colposcopy. Generally, colposcopy methods employ the use of a lighted magnifying instrument attached to magnifying binoculars (a colposcope) which is then used to biopsy a small section of the surface of the cervix. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is a conization/cone biopsy. In some embodiments, the small biopsy is a conization/cone biopsy, wherein an outpatient surgery may be needed to remove a larger piece of tissue from the cervix. In some embodiments, the cone biopsy, in addition to helping to confirm a diagnosis, a cone biopsy can serve as an initial treatment.

The term “solid tumor” refers to an abnormal mass of tissue that usually does not contain cysts or liquid areas. Solid tumors may be benign or malignant. The term “solid tumor cancer refers to malignant, neoplastic, or cancerous solid tumors. Solid tumor cancers include cancers of the lung. In some embodiments, the cancer is melanoma. In some embodiments, the cancer is non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The tissue structure of solid tumors includes interdependent tissue compartments including the parenchyma (cancer cells) and the supporting stromal cells in which the cancer cells are dispersed and which may provide a supporting microenvironment.

In some embodiments, the sample from the tumor is obtained as a fine needle aspirate (FNA), a core biopsy, a small biopsy (including, for example, a punch biopsy). In some embodiments, sample is placed first into a G-REX-10. In some embodiments, sample is placed first into a G-REX-10 when there are 1 or 2 core biopsy and/or small biopsy samples.

In some embodiments, sample is placed first into a G-REX-100 when there are 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 or more core biopsy and/or small biopsy samples. In some embodiments, sample is placed first into a G-REX-500 when there are 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 or more core biopsy and/or small biopsy samples.

The FNA can be obtained from a skin tumor, including, for example, a melanoma. In some embodiments, the FNA is obtained from a skin tumor, such as a skin tumor from a patient with metastatic melanoma. In some cases, the patient with melanoma has previously undergone a surgical treatment.

The FNA can be obtained from a lung tumor, including, for example, an NSCLC. In some embodiments, the FNA is obtained from a lung tumor, such as a lung tumor from a patient with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In some cases, the patient with NSCLC has previously undergone a surgical treatment.

TILs described herein can be obtained from an FNA sample. In some cases, the FNA sample is obtained or isolated from the patient using a fine gauge needle ranging from an 18 gauge needle to a 25 gauge needle. The fine gauge needle can be 18 gauge, 19 gauge, 20 gauge, 21 gauge, 22 gauge, 23 gauge, 24 gauge, or 25 gauge. In some embodiments, the FNA sample from the patient can contain at least 400,000 TILs, e.g., 400,000 TILs, 450,000 TILs, 500,000 TILs, 550,000 TILs, 600,000 TILs, 650,000 TILs, 700,000 TILs, 750,000 TILs, 800,000 TILs, 850,000 TILs, 900,000 TILs, 950,000 TILs, or more.

In some cases, the TILs described herein are obtained from a core biopsy sample. In some cases, the core biopsy sample is obtained or isolated from the patient using a surgical or medical needle ranging from an 11 gauge needle to a 16 gauge needle. The needle can be 11 gauge, 12 gauge, 13 gauge, 14 gauge, 15 gauge, or 16 gauge. In some embodiments, the core biopsy sample from the patient can contain at least 400,000 TILs, e.g., 400,000 TILs, 450,000 TILs, 500,000 TILs, 550,000 TILs, 600,000 TILs, 650,000 TILs, 700,000 TILs, 750,000 TILs, 800,000 TILs, 850,000 TILs, 900,000 TILs, 950,000 TILs, or more.

In general, the harvested cell suspension is called a “primary cell population” or a “freshly harvested” cell population.

In some embodiments, the TILs are not obtained from tumor digests. In some embodiments, the solid tumor cores are not fragmented.

In some embodiments, the TILs are obtained from tumor digests. In some embodiments, tumor digests were generated by incubation in enzyme media, for example but not limited to RPMI 1640, 2 mM GlutaMAX, 10 mg/mL gentamicin, 30 U/mL DNase, and 1.0 mg/mL collagenase, followed by mechanical dissociation (GentleMACS, Miltenyi Biotec, Auburn, CA). After placing the tumor in enzyme media, the tumor can be mechanically dissociated for approximately 1 minute. The solution can then be incubated for 30 minutes at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ and it then mechanically disrupted again for approximately 1 minute. After being incubated again for 30 minutes at 37° C. in 5% CO₂, the tumor can be mechanically disrupted a third time for approximately 1 minute. In some embodiments, after the third mechanical disruption if large pieces of tissue were present, 1 or 2 additional mechanical dissociations were applied to the sample, with or without 30 additional minutes of incubation at 37° C. in 5% CO₂. In some embodiments, at the end of the final incubation if the cell suspension contained a large number of red blood cells or dead cells, a density gradient separation using Ficoll can be performed to remove these cells.

In some embodiments, obtaining the first population of TILs comprises a multilesional sampling method.

Tumor dissociating enzyme mixtures can include one or more dissociating (digesting) enzymes such as, but not limited to, collagenase (including any blend or type of collagenase), Accutase™, Accumax™, hyaluronidase, neutral protease (dispase), chymotrypsin, chymopapain, trypsin, caseinase, elastase, papain, protease type XIV (pronase), deoxyribonuclease I (DNase), trypsin inhibitor, any other dissociating or proteolytic enzyme, and any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the dissociating enzymes are reconstituted from lyophilized enzymes. In some embodiments, lyophilized enzymes are reconstituted in an amount of sterile buffer such as Hank's balance salt solution (HBSS).

In some instances, collagenase (such as animal free-type 1 collagenase) is reconstituted in 10 mL of sterile HBSS or another buffer. The lyophilized stock enzyme may be at a concentration of 2892 PZ U/vial. In some embodiments, collagenase is reconstituted in 5 mL to 15 mL buffer. In some embodiment, after reconstitution the collagenase stock ranges from about 100 PZ U/mL-about 400 PZ U/mL, e.g., about 100 PZ U/mL-about 400 PZ U/mL, about 100 PZ U/mL-about 350 PZ U/mL, about 100 PZ U/mL-about 300 PZ U/mL, about 150 PZ U/mL-about 400 PZ U/mL, about 100 PZ U/mL, about 150 PZ U/mL, about 200 PZ U/mL, about 210 PZ U/mL, about 220 PZ U/mL, about 230 PZ U/mL, about 240 PZ U/mL, about 250 PZ U/mL, about 260 PZ U/mL, about 270 PZ U/mL, about 280 PZ U/mL, about 289.2 PZ U/mL, about 300 PZ U/mL, about 350 PZ U/mL, or about 400 PZ U/mL.

In some embodiments, neutral protease is reconstituted in 1-ml of sterile HBSS or another buffer. The lyophilized stock enzyme may be at a concentration of 175 DMC U/vial. In some embodiments, after reconstitution the neutral protease stock ranges from about 100 DMC/mL-about 400 DMC/mL, e.g., about 100 DMC/mL-about 400 DMC/mL, about 100 DMC/mL-about 350 DMC/mL, about 100 DMC/mL-about 300 DMC/mL, about 150 DMC/mL-about 400 DMC/mL, about 100 DMC/mL, about 110 DMC/mL, about 120 DMC/mL, about 130 DMC/mL, about 140 DMC/mL, about 150 DMC/mL, about 160 DMC/mL, about 170 DMC/mL, about 175 DMC/mL, about 180 DMC/mL, about 190 DMC/mL, about 200 DMC/mL, about 250 DMC/mL, about 300 DMC/mL, about 350 DMC/mL, or about 400 DMC/mL.

In some embodiments, DNAse I is reconstituted in 1-ml of sterile HBSS or another buffer. The lyophilized stock enzyme was at a concentration of 4 KU/vial. In some embodiments, after reconstitution the DNase I stock ranges from about 1 KU/mL-10 KU/mL, e.g., about 1 KU/mL, about 2 KU/mL, about 3 KU/mL, about 4 KU/mL, about 5 KU/mL, about 6 KU/mL, about 7 KU/mL, about 8 KU/mL, about 9 KU/mL, or about 10 KU/mL.

In some embodiments, the stock of enzymes could change so verify the concentration of the lyophilized stock and amend the final amount of enzyme added to the digest cocktail accordingly

In some embodiments, the enzyme mixture includes about 10.2-ul of neutral protease (0.36 DMC U/mL), 21.3-ul of collagenase (1.2 PZ/mL) and 250-ul of DNAse I (200 U/mL) in about 4.7-ml of sterile HBSS. 2. Pleural Effusion T-cells and TILs

In some embodiments, the sample is a pleural fluid sample. In some embodiments, the source of the T-cells or TILs for expansion according to the processes described herein is a pleural fluid sample. In some embodiments, the sample is a pleural effusion derived sample. In some embodiments, the source of the T-cells or TILs for expansion according to the processes described herein is a pleural effusion derived sample. See, for example, methods described in U.S. Patent Publication US 2014/0295426, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

In some embodiments, any pleural fluid or pleural effusion suspected of and/or containing TILs can be employed. Such a sample may be derived from a primary or metastatic lung cancer, such as NSCLC or SCLC. In some embodiments, the sample may be secondary metastatic cancer cells which originated from another organ, e.g., breast, ovary, colon or prostate. In some embodiments, the sample for use in the expansion methods described herein is a pleural exudate. In some embodiments, the sample for use in the expansion methods described herein is a pleural transudate. Other biological samples may include other serous fluids containing TILs, including, e.g., ascites fluid from the abdomen or pancreatic cyst fluid. Ascites fluid and pleural fluids involve very similar chemical systems; both the abdomen and lung have mesothelial lines and fluid forms in the pleural space and abdominal spaces in the same matter in malignancies and such fluids in some embodiments contain TILs. In some embodiments, wherein the disclosure exemplifies pleural fluid, the same methods may be performed with similar results using ascites or other cyst fluids containing TILs.

In some embodiments, the pleural fluid is in unprocessed form, directly as removed from the patient. In some embodiments, the unprocessed pleural fluid is placed in a standard blood collection tube, such as an EDTA or Heparin tube, prior to the contacting step. In some embodiments, the unprocessed pleural fluid is placed in a standard CellSave® tube (Veridex) prior to the contacting step. In some embodiments, the sample is placed in the CellSave tube immediately after collection from the patient to avoid a decrease in the number of viable TILs. The number of viable TILs can decrease to a significant extent within 24 hours, if left in the untreated pleural fluid, even at 4° C. In some embodiments, the sample is placed in the appropriate collection tube within 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, or up to 24 hours after removal from the patient. In some embodiments, the sample is placed in the appropriate collection tube within 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, or up to 24 hours after removal from the patient at 4° C.

In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample from the chosen subject may be diluted. In some embodiments, the dilution is 1:10 pleural fluid to diluent. In other embodiments, the dilution is 1:9 pleural fluid to diluent. In other embodiments, the dilution is 1:8 pleural fluid to diluent. In other embodiments, the dilution is 1:5 pleural fluid to diluent. In other embodiments, the dilution is 1:2 pleural fluid to diluent. In other embodiments, the dilution is 1:1 pleural fluid to diluent. In some embodiments, diluents include saline, phosphate buffered saline, another buffer or a physiologically acceptable diluent. In some embodiments, the sample is placed in the CellSave tube immediately after collection from the patient and dilution to avoid a decrease in the viable TILs, which may occur to a significant extent within 24-48 hours, if left in the untreated pleural fluid, even at 4° C. In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample is placed in the appropriate collection tube within 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, up to 48 hours after removal from the patient, and dilution. In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample is placed in the appropriate collection tube within 1 hour, 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, up to 48 hours after removal from the patient, and dilution at 4° C.

In still other embodiments, pleural fluid samples are concentrated by conventional means prior further processing steps. In some embodiments, this pre-treatment of the pleural fluid is preferable in circumstances in which the pleural fluid must be cryopreserved for shipment to a laboratory performing the method or for later analysis (e.g., later than 24-48 hours post-collection). In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample is prepared by centrifuging the pleural fluid sample after its withdrawal from the subject and resuspending the centrifugate or pellet in buffer. In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample is subjected to multiple centrifugations and resuspensions, before it is cryopreserved for transport or later analysis and/or processing.

In some embodiments, pleural fluid samples are concentrated prior to further processing steps by using a filtration method. In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample used in the contacting step is prepared by filtering the fluid through a filter containing a known and essentially uniform pore size that allows for passage of the pleural fluid through the membrane but retains the tumor cells. In some embodiments, the diameter of the pores in the membrane may be at least 4 μM. In other embodiments the pore diameter may be 5 pM or more, and in other embodiment, any of 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 μM. After filtration, the cells, including TILs, retained by the membrane may be rinsed off the membrane into a suitable physiologically acceptable buffer. Cells, including TILs, concentrated in this way may then be used in the contacting step of the method.

In some embodiments, pleural fluid sample (including, for example, the untreated pleural fluid), diluted pleural fluid, or the resuspended cell pellet, is contacted with a lytic reagent that differentially lyses non-nucleated red blood cells present in the sample. In some embodiments, this step is performed prior to further processing steps in circumstances in which the pleural fluid contains substantial numbers of RBCs. Suitable lysing reagents include a single lytic reagent or a lytic reagent and a quench reagent, or a lytic agent, a quench reagent and a fixation reagent. Suitable lytic systems are marketed commercially and include the BD Pharm Lyse™ system (Becton Dickenson). Other lytic systems include the Versalyse™ system, the FACSlyse™ system (Becton Dickenson), the Immunoprep™ system or Erythrolyse II system (Beckman Coulter, Inc.), or an ammonium chloride system. In some embodiments, the lytic reagent can vary with the primary requirements being efficient lysis of the red blood cells, and the conservation of the TILs and phenotypic properties of the TILs in the pleural fluid. In addition to employing a single reagent for lysis, the lytic systems useful in methods described herein can include a second reagent, e.g., one that quenches or retards the effect of the lytic reagent during the remaining steps of the method, e.g., Stabilyse™ reagent (Beckman Coulter, Inc.). A conventional fixation reagent may also be employed depending upon the choice of lytic reagents or the preferred implementation of the method.

In some embodiments, the pleural fluid sample, unprocessed, diluted or multiply centrifuged or processed as described herein above is cryopreserved at a temperature of about −140° C. prior to being further processed and/or expanded as provided herein.

3. Preselection for CD39/CD69 Double Negative

According to some methods of the present invention, the TILs are preselected for being (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (ii) the combination of (i) and (ii) prior to the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, there is also an optional preselection step for PD-1.

In some embodiments, a minimum of 3,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 3,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 4,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 4,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 5,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 5,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 6,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 6,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 7,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 7,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 8,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 8,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 9,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 9,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 10,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 10,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 20,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 20,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 30,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 30,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 40,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 40,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 50,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 50,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 60,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 60,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 70,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 70,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 80,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 80,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 90,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 90,000 TILs. In some embodiments, a minimum of 100,000 TILs are needed for seeding into the first expansion. In some embodiments, the preselection step yields a minimum of 100,000 TILs. In some embodiments, cells are grown or expanded to a density of 200,000. In some embodiments, cells are grown or expanded to a density of 200,000 to provide about 2e8 TILs for initiating rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, cells are grown or expanded to a density of 150,000. In some embodiments, cells are grown or expanded to a density of 150,000 to provide about 2e8 TILs for initiating rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, cells are grown or expanded to a density of 250,000. In some embodiments, cells are grown or expanded to a density of 250,000 to provide about 2e8 TILs for initiating rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the minimum cell density is 10,000 cells to give 10e6 for initiating rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, a 10e6 seeding density for initiating the rapid second expansion could yield greater than 1e9 TILs.

In some embodiments the TILs for use in the priming first expansion are (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) (for example, after preselection and before the priming first expansion). In some embodiments, TILs for use in the priming first expansion are at least 75% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii), at least 80% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii), at least 85% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii), at least 90% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii), at least 95% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii), at least 98% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) or at least 99% (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) (for example, after preselection and before the priming first expansion).

In some embodiments, the preselection of CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs is performed by staining primary cell population, whole tumor digests, and/or whole tumor cell suspensions TILs with anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies. In some embodiments, the anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies are polycloncal antibodies e.g., a mouse anti-human CD39 and CD69 polyclonal antibodies, goat anti-human CD39 and CD69 polyclonal antibodies, etc. In some embodiments, anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies are monoclonal antibodies.

In some embodiments, the anti-CD39 antibody for use in the preselection binds at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99% or at least 100% of the cells expressing CD39. In some embodiments, the anti-CD69 antibody for use in the preselection binds at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99% or at least 100% of the cells expressing CD69.

In some embodiments, the patient has been treated with an anti-PD-1 antibody. In some embodiments, the subject is anti-PD-1 antibody treatment naive. In some embodiments, the subject has not been treated with an anti-PD-1 antibody. In some embodiments, the subject has been previously treated with a chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the subject has been previously treated with a chemotherapeutic agent but is no longer being treated with the chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the subject is post-chemotherapeutic treatment or post anti-PD-1 antibody treatment. In some embodiments, the subject is post-chemotherapeutic treatment and post anti-PD-1 antibody treatment. In some embodiments, the patient is anti-PD-1 antibody treatment naive. In some embodiments, the subject has treatment naive cancer or is post-chemotherapeutic treatment but anti-PD-1 antibody treatment naive. In some embodiments, the subject is treatment naive and post-chemotherapeutic treatment but anti-PD-1 antibody treatment naive.

In some embodiments, the negatives are gated based upon the FMO. In some embodiments, the FACS gates are set-up after the step of obtaining and/or receiving a first population of TILs from a tumor resected from a subject by processing a tumor sample obtained from the subject into multiple tumor fragments. In some embodiments, the gating is set up for each sort. In some embodiments, the gating is set-up for each sample of PBMCs. In some embodiments, the gating is set-up for each sample of PBMCs. In some embodiments, the gating template is set-up from PBMC's every 10 days, 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days, or 60 days. In some embodiments, the gating template is set-up from PBMC's every 60 days. In some embodiments, the gating template is set-up for each sample of PBMC's every 10 days, 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days, or 60 days. In some embodiments, the gating template is set-up for each sample of PBMC's every 60 days.

In some embodiments, preselection involves selecting (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) from the first population of TILs to obtain a TIL population comprising the selecting a population of TILs from a first population of TILs that are at least 11.27% to 74.4% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs. In some embodiments, the first population of TILs are at least 10% to 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), at least 20% to 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) e TILs, at least 20% to 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 30% to 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 40% to 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 50% to 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 10% to 70% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 20% to 70% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, at least 30% to 70% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs, or at least 40% to 70% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39LO/CD69LO TILs.

In some embodiments, the selection step (e.g., preselection and/or selecting CD39/CD69 double negative cells) comprises the steps of:

-   -   (i) exposing the first population of TILs and a population of         PBMC to an excess of monoclonal anti-CD39 IgG and anti-CD69 IgG         antibodies that bind to CD39 and CD69,     -   (ii) adding an excess of anti-IgG antibodies conjugated to a         fluorophore,     -   (iii) obtaining the CD39/CD69 double negative population based         on the intensity of the fluorophore detected in the CD39/CD69         double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs in the first         population of TILs compared to the intensity of the fluorophore         detected in the population of PBMCs as performed by         fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).

In some embodiments, at least 70% of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TIL population are CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs. In some embodiments, at least 80% CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TIL population are CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs. In some embodiments, at least 90% of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TIL population are CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs. In some embodiments, at least 95% of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TIL population are CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs. In some embodiments, at least 99% of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TIL population are CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs. In some embodiments, 100% of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) enriched TIL population are CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs.

In some embodiments, the selection step, exemplified as Step A3 of Process CD39/CD69 GEN 3 in FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G, comprises the steps of (i) exposing the first population of TILs to an excess of monoclonal anti-CD39 IgG and anti-CD69 IgG antibodies, (ii) adding an excess of an anti-IgG antibody conjugated to a fluorophore, and (iii) performing a flow-based cell sort based on the fluorophore to obtain a (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) enriched TIL population.

To determine if TILs derived from a tumor sample are CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), one skilled in the art can utilize a reference value corresponding to the level of expression of CD39 and/or CD69 in peripheral T cells obtained from a blood sample from one or more healthy human subjects. CD39/CD69 positive cells in the reference sample can be defined using fluorescence minus one controls and matching isotype controls. In some embodiments, the expression level of CD39/CD69 is measured in CD3+/CD39+/CD69+ peripheral T cells from a healthy subject (e.g., the reference cells) is used to establish a threshold value or cut-off value of immunostaining intensity of CD39/CD69 in TILs obtained from a tumor. The threshold value can be defined as the maximal intensity of CD39/CD69 immunostaining of CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) T cells. As such, TILs with a CD39/CD69 expression that is the same or below the threshold value can be considered to be CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) cells. In some instances, the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs represent those with the lowest intensity of CD39/CD69 immunostaining corresponding to a maximum 1% or less of the total CD3+ cells. In other instances, the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs represent those with the lowest intensity of CD39/CD69 immunostaining corresponding to the maximum 0.75% or less of the total CD3+ cells. In some instances, the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs represent those with the lowest intensity of CD39/CD69 immunostaining corresponding to the maximum 0.50% or less of the total CD3+ cells. In other instances, the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) TILs represent those with the lowest intensity of CD39/CD69 immunostaining corresponding to the maximum 0.25% or less of the total CD3+ cells.

In some embodiments, the protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor (AKTi) method of Example 16 is employed. In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cultured in a medium comprising an AKT inhibitor to obtain a population of CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs. In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, Honokiol, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is ipatasertib. In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cultured in a medium comprising about 0.1 μM, about 0.2 μM, about 0.3 μM, about 0.4 μM, about 0.5 μM, about 0.6 μM, about 0.7 μM, about 0.8 μM, about 0.9 μM, about 1 μM, about 1.1 μM, about 1.2 μM, about 1.3 μM, about 1.4 μM, about 1.5 μM, about 1.6 μM, about 1.7 μM, about 1.8 μM, about 1.9 μM, about 2 μM, about 2.1 μM, about 2.2 μM, about 2.3 μM, about 2.4 μM, about 2.5 μM, about 2.6 μM, about 2.7 μM, about 2.8 μM, about 2.9 μM, about 3 μM, about 3.5 μM, about 4 μM, about 4.5 μM, or about 5 μM ipatasertib.

b. Flurophores

In some embodiments, the primary cell population TILs are stained with a cocktail that includes anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies linked to a fluorophore and an anti-CD3 antibody linked to a fluorophore. In some embodiments, the primary cell population TILs are stained with a cocktail that includes an anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies linked to a fluorophore (for example, PE, live/dead violet) and anti-CD3-FITC. In some embodiments, the primary cell population TILs are stained with a cocktail that includes anti-CD39 conjugated to a first fluorophore and anti-CD69 antibody conjugated to a second fluorphore, anti-CD3 antibody conjugated to a third fluorphore, and live/dead blue stain (such as one commercially available from ThermoFisher, MA, Cat #L23105), wherein the first, second, and third antibodies are different and capable individual detection. In some embodiments, the after incubation with the anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies, (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) cells are selected for expansion according to the first expansion a described herein, for example, in Step B of FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G.

In some embodiments, the primary cell population TILs are stained with a cocktail that includes anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies linked to a fluorophore and an anti-CD3 antibody linked to a fluorophore. In some embodiments, the primary cell population TILs are stained with a cocktail that includes an anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies linked to a fluorophore (for example, PE, live/dead violet) and anti-CD3-PE-Cy7. In some embodiments, the primary cell population TILs are stained with a cocktail that includes anti-CD39-FITC and anti-CD69-PE, anti-CD3-PE-Cy7 and live/dead blue stain (ThermoFisher, MA, Cat #L23105). In some embodiments, the after incubation with the anti-CD39 and anti-CD69 antibodies, (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) cells are selected for expansion according to the priming first expansion a described herein, for example, in Step B of Process CD39/CD69 GEN 3 in FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G.

In some embodiments, the flurophore includes, but is not limited to PE (Phycoerythrin), APC (allophycocyanin), PerCP (peridinin chlorophyll protein), DyLight 405, Alexa Fluor 405, Pacific Blue, Alexa Fluor 488, FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate), DyLight 550, Alexa Fluor 647, DyLight 650, and Alexa Fluor 700. In some embodiments, the flurophore includes, but is not limited to PE-Alexa Fluor® 647, PE-Cy5, PerCP-Cy5.5, PE-Cy5.5, PE-Alexa Fluor® 750, PE-Cy7, and APC-Cy7. In some embodiments, the flurophore includes, but is not limited to a fluorescein dye. Examples of fluorescein dyes include, but are not limited to, 5-carboxyfluorescein, fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate and 6-carboxyfluorescein, 5,6-dicarboxyfluorescein, 5-(and 6)-sulfofluorescein, sulfonefluorescein, succinyl fluorescein, 5-(and 6)-carboxy SNARF-1, carboxyfluorescein sulfonate, carboxyfluorescein zwitterion, carbxoyfluorescein quaternary ammonium, carboxyfluorescein phosphonate, carboxyfluorescein GABA, 5′(6′)-carboxyfluorescein, carboxyfluorescein-cys-Cy5, and fluorescein glutathione. In some embodiments, the fluorescent moiety is a rhodamine dye. Examples of rhodamine dyes include, but are not limited to, tetramethylrhodamine-6-isothiocyanate, 5-carboxytetramethylrhodamine, 5-carboxy rhodol derivatives, carboxy rhodamine 110, tetramethyl and tetraethyl rhodamine, diphenyldimethyl and diphenyldiethyl rhodamine, dinaphthyl rhodamine, rhodamine 101 sulfonyl chloride (sold under the tradename of TEXAS RED@). In some embodiments, the fluorescent moiety is a cyanine dye. Examples of cyanine dyes include, but are not limited to, Cy3, Cy3B, Cy3.5, Cy5, Cy5.5, and Cy 7.

4. Methods of Expanding Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes (PBLs) from Peripheral Blood

PBL Method 1. In some embodiments of the invention, PBLs are expanded using the processes described herein. In some embodiments of the invention, the method comprises obtaining a PBMC sample from whole blood. In some embodiments, the method comprises enriching T-cells by isolating pure T-cells from PBMCs using negative selection of a non-CD19+ fraction. In some embodiments, the method comprises enriching T-cells by isolating pure T-cells from PBMCs using magnetic bead-based negative selection of a non-CD19+ fraction.

In some embodiments of the invention, PBL Method 1 is performed as follows: On Day 0, a cryopreserved PBMC sample is thawed and PBMCs are counted. T-cells are isolated using a Human Pan T-Cell Isolation Kit and LS columns (Miltenyi Biotec).

PBL Method 2. In some embodiments of the invention, PBLs are expanded using PBL Method 2, which comprises obtaining a PBMC sample from whole blood. The T-cells from the PBMCs are enriched by incubating the PBMCs for at least three hours at 37° C. and then isolating the non-adherent cells.

In some embodiments of the invention, PBL Method 2 is performed as follows: On Day 0, the cryopreserved PMBC sample is thawed and the PBMC cells are seeded at 6 million cells per well in a 6 well plate in CM-2 media and incubated for 3 hours at 37 degrees Celsius. After 3 hours, the non-adherent cells, which are the PBLs, are removed and counted.

PBL Method 3. In some embodiments of the invention, PBLs are expanded using PBL Method 3, which comprises obtaining a PBMC sample from peripheral blood. B-cells are isolated using a CD19+ selection and T-cells are selected using negative selection of the non-CD19+ fraction of the PBMC sample.

In some embodiments of the invention, PBL Method 3 is performed as follows: On Day 0, cryopreserved PBMCs derived from peripheral blood are thawed and counted. CD19+ B-cells are sorted using a CD19 Multisort Kit, Human (Miltenyi Biotec). Of the non-CD19+ cell fraction, T-cells are purified using the Human Pan T-cell Isolation Kit and LS Columns (Miltenyi Biotec).

In some embodiments, PBMCs are isolated from a whole blood sample. In some embodiments, the PBMC sample is used as the starting material to expand the PBLs. In some embodiments, the sample is cryopreserved prior to the expansion process. In other embodiments, a fresh sample is used as the starting material to expand the PBLs. In some embodiments of the invention, T-cells are isolated from PBMCs using methods known in the art. In some embodiments, the T-cells are isolated using a Human Pan T-cell isolation kit and LS columns. In some embodiments of the invention, T-cells are isolated from PBMCs using antibody selection methods known in the art, for example, CD19 negative selection.

In some embodiments of the invention, the PBMC sample is incubated for a period of time at a desired temperature effective to identify the non-adherent cells. In some embodiments of the invention, the incubation time is about 3 hours. In some embodiments of the invention, the temperature is about 370 Celsius. The non-adherent cells are then expanded using the process described above.

In some embodiments, the PBMC sample is from a subject or patient who has been optionally pre-treated with a regimen comprising a kinase inhibitor or an ITK inhibitor. In some embodiments, the tumor sample is from a subject or patient who has been pre-treated with a regimen comprising a kinase inhibitor or an ITK inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PBMC sample is from a subject or patient who has been pre-treated with a regimen comprising a kinase inhibitor or an ITK inhibitor, has undergone treatment for at least 1 month, at least 2 months, at least 3 months, at least 4 months, at least 5 months, at least 6 months, or 1 year or more. In other embodiments, the PBMCs are derived from a patient who is currently on an ITK inhibitor regimen, such as ibrutinib.

In some embodiments, the PBMC sample is from a subject or patient who has been pre-treated with a regimen comprising a kinase inhibitor or an ITK inhibitor and is refractory to treatment with a kinase inhibitor or an ITK inhibitor, such as ibrutinib.

In some embodiments, the PBMC sample is from a subject or patient who has been pre-treated with a regimen comprising a kinase inhibitor or an ITK inhibitor but is no longer undergoing treatment with a kinase inhibitor or an ITK inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PBMC sample is from a subject or patient who has been pre-treated with a regimen comprising a kinase inhibitor or an ITK inhibitor but is no longer undergoing treatment with a kinase inhibitor or an ITK inhibitor and has not undergone treatment for at least 1 month, at least 2 months, at least 3 months, at least 4 months, at least 5 months, at least 6 months, or at least 1 year or more. In other embodiments, the PBMCs are derived from a patient who has prior exposure to an ITK inhibitor, but has not been treated in at least 3 months, at least 6 months, at least 9 months, or at least 1 year.

In some embodiments of the invention, at Day 0, cells are selected for CD19+ and sorted accordingly. In some embodiments of the invention, the selection is made using antibody binding beads. In some embodiments of the invention, pure T-cells are isolated on Day 0 from the PBMCs.

In some embodiments of the invention, for patients that are not pre-treated with ibrutinib or other ITK inhibitor, 10⁻¹⁵ mL of Buffy Coat will yield about 5×10⁹ PBMC, which, in turn, will yield about 5.5×10⁷ PBLs.

In some embodiments of the invention, for patients that are pre-treated with ibrutinib or other ITK inhibitor, the expansion process will yield about 20×10⁹ PBLs. In some embodiments of the invention, 40.3×10⁶ PBMCs will yield about 4.7×10⁵ PBLs.

In any of the foregoing embodiments, PBMCs may be derived from a whole blood sample, by apheresis, from the buffy coat, or from any other method known in the art for obtaining PBMCs.

In some embodiments, PBLs are prepared using the methods described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2020/0347350 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

5. Methods of Expanding Marrow Infiltrating Lymphocytes (MILs) from PBMCs Derived from Bone Marrow

MIL Method 3. In some embodiments of the invention, the method comprises obtaining PBMCs from the bone marrow. On Day 0, the PBMCs are selected for CD3+/CD33+/CD20+/CD14+ and sorted, and the non-CD3+/CD33+/CD20+/CD14+ cell fraction is sonicated and a portion of the sonicated cell fraction is added back to the selected cell fraction.

In some embodiments of the invention, MIL Method 3 is performed as follows: On Day 0, a cryopreserved sample of PBMCs is thawed and PBMCs are counted.

The cells are stained with CD3, CD33, CD20, and CD14 antibodies and sorted using a S3e cell sorted (Bio-Rad). The cells are sorted into two fractions—an immune cell fraction (or the MIL fraction) (CD3+CD33+CD20+CD14+) and an AML blast cell fraction (non-CD3+CD33+CD20+CD14+).

In some embodiments of the invention, PBMCs are obtained from bone marrow. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are obtained from the bone marrow through apheresis, aspiration, needle biopsy, or other similar means known in the art. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are fresh. In other embodiments, the PBMCs are cryopreserved.

In some embodiments of the invention, MILs are expanded from 10⁻⁵⁰ mL of bone marrow aspirate. In some embodiments of the invention, 10 mL of bone marrow aspirate is obtained from the patient. In other embodiments, 20 mL of bone marrow aspirate is obtained from the patient. In other embodiments, 30 mL of bone marrow aspirate is obtained from the patient. In other embodiments, 40 mL of bone marrow aspirate is obtained from the patient. In other embodiments, 50 mL of bone marrow aspirate is obtained from the patient.

In some embodiments of the invention, the number of PBMCs yielded from about 10⁻⁵⁰ mL of bone marrow aspirate is about 5×10⁷ to about 10×10⁷ PBMCs. In other embodiments, the number of PMBCs yielded is about 7×10⁷ PBMCs.

In some embodiments of the invention, about 5×10⁷ to about 10×10⁷ PBMCs, yields about 0.5×10⁶ to about 1.5×10⁶ MILs. In some embodiments of the invention, about 1×10⁶ MILs is yielded.

In some embodiments of the invention, 12×10⁶ PBMC derived from bone marrow aspirate yields approximately 1.4×10⁵ MILs.

In any of the foregoing embodiments, PBMCs may be derived from a whole blood sample, from bone marrow, by apheresis, from the buffy coat, or from any other method known in the art for obtaining PBMCs.

In some embodiments, MILs are prepared using the methods described in U.S.

Patent Application Publication No. US 2020/0347350 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

B. STEP B: Priming First Expansion

In some embodiments, the present methods provide for younger TILs, which may provide additional therapeutic benefits over older TILs (i.e., TILs which have further undergone more rounds of replication prior to administration to a subject/patient). Features of young TILs have been described in the literature, for example in Donia, et al., Scand. J Immunol. 2012, 75, 157-167; Dudley, et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 2010, 16, 6122-6131; Huang, et al., J. Immunother. 2005, 28, 258-267; Besser, et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 2013, 19, OF1-OF9; Besser, et al., J. Immunother. 2009, 32, 415-423; Robbins, et al., J. Immunol. 2004, 173, 7125-7130; Shen, et al., J. Immunother., 2007, 30, 123-129; Zhou, et al., J. Immunother. 2005, 28, 53-62; and Tran, et al., J. Immunother., 2008, 31, 742-751, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

After dissection or digestion of tumor fragments and/or tumor fragments, for example such as described in Step A of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C), the resulting cells are cultured in serum containing IL-2, OKT-3, and feeder cells (e.g., antigen-presenting feeder cells), under conditions that favor the growth of TILs over tumor and other cells. In some embodiments, the IL-2, OKT-3, and feeder cells are added at culture initiation along with the tumor digest and/or tumor fragments (e.g., at Day 0). In some embodiments, the tumor digests and/or tumor fragments are incubated in a container with up to 60 fragments per container and with 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, this primary cell population is cultured for a period of days, generally from 1 to 8 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, this primary cell population is cultured for a period of days, generally from 1 to 7 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, priming first expansion occurs for a period of 1 to 8 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, priming first expansion occurs for a period of 1 to 7 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, this priming first expansion occurs for a period of 5 to 8 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, this priming first expansion occurs for a period of 5 to 7 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, this priming first expansion occurs for a period of about 6 to 8 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, this priming first expansion occurs for a period of about 6 to 7 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, this priming first expansion occurs for a period of about 7 to 8 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, this priming first expansion occurs for a period of about 7 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, this priming first expansion occurs for a period of about 8 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×10⁸ bulk TIL cells.

In some embodiments, expansion of TILs may be performed using a priming first expansion step (for example such as those described in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include processes referred to as pre-REP or priming REP and which contains feeder cells from Day 0 and/or from culture initiation) as described below and herein, followed by a rapid second expansion (Step D, including processes referred to as rapid expansion protocol (REP) steps) as described below under Step D and herein, followed by optional cryopreservation, and followed by a second Step D (including processes referred to as restimulation REP steps) as described below and herein. The TILs obtained from this process may be optionally characterized for phenotypic characteristics and metabolic parameters as described herein. In some embodiments, the tumor fragment is between about 1 mm³ and 10 mm³.

In some embodiments, the first expansion culture medium is referred to as “CM”, an abbreviation for culture media. In some embodiments, CM for Step B consists of RPMI 1640 with GlutaMAX, supplemented with 10% human AB serum, 25 mM Hepes, and 10 mg/mL gentamicin.

In some embodiments, there are less than or equal to 240 tumor fragments. In some embodiments, there are less than or equal to 240 tumor fragments placed in less than or equal to 4 containers. In some embodiments, the containers are GREX100 MCS flasks. In some embodiments, less than or equal to 60 tumor fragments are placed in 1 container. In some embodiments, each container comprises less than or equal to 500 mL of media per container. In some embodiments, the media comprises IL-2. In some embodiments, the media comprises 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the media comprises antigen-presenting feeder cells (also referred to herein as “antigen-presenting cells”). In some embodiments, the media comprises 2.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells per container. In some embodiments, the media comprises OKT-3. In some embodiments, the media comprises 30 ng/mL of OKT-3 per container. In some embodiments, the container is a GREX100 MCS flask. In some embodiments, the media comprises 6000 IU/mL of IL-2, 30 ng of OKT-3, and 2.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells. In some embodiments, the media comprises 6000 IU/mL of IL-2, 30 ng/mL of OKT-3, and 2.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells per container.

After preparation of the tumor fragments, the resulting cells (i.e., fragments which is a primary cell population) are cultured in media containing IL-2, antigen-presenting feeder cells and OKT-3 under conditions that favor the growth of TILs over tumor and other cells and which allow for TIL priming and accelerated growth from initiation of the culture on Day 0. In some embodiments, the tumor digests and/or tumor fragments are incubated in with 6000 IU/mL of IL-2, as well as antigen-presenting feeder cells and OKT-3. This primary cell population is cultured for a period of days, generally from 1 to 8 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×108 bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, the growth media during the priming first expansion comprises IL-2 or a variant thereof, as well as antigen-presenting feeder cells and OKT-3. In some embodiments, this primary cell population is cultured for a period of days, generally from 1 to 7 days, resulting in a bulk TIL population, generally about 1×108 bulk TIL cells. In some embodiments, the growth media during the priming first expansion comprises IL-2 or a variant thereof, as well as antigen-presenting feeder cells and OKT-3. In some embodiments, the IL-2 is recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2). In some embodiments the IL-2 stock solution has a specific activity of 20-30×10⁶ IU/mg for a 1 mg vial. In some embodiments the IL-2 stock solution has a specific activity of 20×10⁶ IU/mg for a 1 mg vial. In some embodiments the IL-2 stock solution has a specific activity of 25×10⁶ IU/mg for a 1 mg vial. In some embodiments the IL-2 stock solution has a specific activity of 30×10⁶ IU/mg for a 1 mg vial. In some embodiments, the IL-2 stock solution has a final concentration of 4-8×10⁶ IU/mg of IL-2. In some embodiments, the IL-2 stock solution has a final concentration of 5-7×10⁶ IU/mg of IL-2. In some embodiments, the IL-2 stock solution has a final concentration of 6×10⁶ IU/mg of IL-2. In some embodiments, the IL-2 stock solution is prepare as described in Example C. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 10,000 IU/mL of IL-2, about 9,000 IU/mL of IL-2, about 8,000 IU/mL of IL-2, about 7,000 IU/mL of IL-2, about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2 or about 5,000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 9,000 IU/mL of IL-2 to about 5,000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 8,000 IU/mL of IL-2 to about 6,000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 7,000 IU/mL of IL-2 to about 6,000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 6,000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium further comprises IL-2. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium further comprises IL-2. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium comprises about 1000 IU/mL, about 1500 IU/mL, about 2000 IU/mL, about 2500 IU/mL, about 3000 IU/mL, about 3500 IU/mL, about 4000 IU/mL, about 4500 IU/mL, about 5000 IU/mL, about 5500 IU/mL, about 6000 IU/mL, about 6500 IU/mL, about 7000 IU/mL, about 7500 IU/mL, or about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium comprises between 1000 and 2000 IU/mL, between 2000 and 3000 IU/mL, between 3000 and 4000 IU/mL, between 4000 and 5000 IU/mL, between 5000 and 6000 IU/mL, between 6000 and 7000 IU/mL, between 7000 and 8000 IU/mL, or about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2.

In some embodiments, priming first expansion culture media comprises about 500 IU/mL of IL-15, about 400 IU/mL of IL-15, about 300 IU/mL of IL-15, about 200 IU/mL of IL-15, about 180 IU/mL of IL-15, about 160 IU/mL of IL-15, about 140 IU/mL of IL-15, about 120 IU/mL of IL-15, or about 100 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 500 IU/mL of IL-15 to about 100 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 400 IU/mL of IL-15 to about 100 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 300 IU/mL of IL-15 to about 100 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 200 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium comprises about 180 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium further comprises IL-15. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium comprises about 180 IU/mL of IL-15.

In some embodiments, priming first expansion culture media comprises about 20 IU/mL of IL-21, about 15 IU/mL of IL-21, about 12 IU/mL of IL-21, about 10 IU/mL of IL-21, about 5 IU/mL of IL-21, about 4 IU/mL of IL-21, about 3 IU/mL of IL-21, about 2 IU/mL of IL-21, about 1 IU/mL of IL-21, or about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 20 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 15 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 12 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 10 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 5 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 1 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture media comprises about 2 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium comprises about 1 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium comprises about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium further comprises IL-21. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium comprises about 1 IU/mL of IL-21.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium comprises OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium comprises about 30 ng/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium comprises about 0.1 ng/mL, about 0.5 ng/mL, about 1 ng/mL, about 2.5 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 7.5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, about 100 ng/mL, about 200 ng/mL, about 500 ng/mL, and about 1 μg/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises between 0.1 ng/mL and 1 ng/mL, between 1 ng/mL and 5 ng/mL, between 5 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL, between 10 ng/mL and 20 ng/mL, between 20 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL, between 30 ng/mL and 40 ng/mL, between 40 ng/mL and 50 ng/mL, and between 50 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises between 15 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises 30 ng/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the OKT-3 antibody is muromonab. See, for example, Table 1.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion cell culture medium comprises one or more TNFRSF agonists in a cell culture medium. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist comprises a 4-1BB agonist. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is a 4-1BB agonist, and the 4-1BB agonist is selected from the group consisting of urelumab, utomilumab, EU-101, a fusion protein, and fragments, derivatives, variants, biosimilars, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is added at a concentration sufficient to achieve a concentration in the cell culture medium of between 0.1 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is added at a concentration sufficient to achieve a concentration in the cell culture medium of between 20 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL.

In some embodiments, in addition to one or more TNFRSF agonists, the priming first expansion cell culture medium further comprises IL-2 at an initial concentration of about 3000 IU/mL and OKT-3 antibody at an initial concentration of about 30 ng/mL, and wherein the one or more TNFRSF agonists comprises a 4-1BB agonist. In some embodiments, in addition to one or more TNFRSF agonists, the priming first expansion cell culture medium further comprises IL-2 at an initial concentration of about 6000 IU/mL and OKT-3 antibody at an initial concentration of about 30 ng/mL, and wherein the one or more TNFRSF agonists comprises a 4-1BB agonist.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture medium is referred to as “CM”, an abbreviation for culture media. In some embodiments, it is referred to as CM1 (culture medium 1). In some embodiments, CM consists of RPMI 1640 with GlutaMAX, supplemented with 10% human AB serum, 25 mM Hepes, and 10 mg/mL gentamicin. In some embodiments, the CM is the CM1 described in the Examples. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion occurs in an initial cell culture medium or a first cell culture medium. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion culture medium or the initial cell culture medium or the first cell culture medium comprises IL-2, OKT-3 and antigen-presenting feeder cells (also referred to herein as feeder cells).

In some embodiments, the culture medium used in the expansion processes disclosed herein is a serum-free medium or a defined medium. In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium comprises a basal cell medium and a serum supplement and/or a serum replacement. In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium is used to prevent and/or decrease experimental variation due in part to the lot-to-lot variation of serum-containing media.

In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium comprises a basal cell medium and a serum supplement and/or serum replacement. In some embodiments, the basal cell medium includes, but is not limited to CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium, CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion SFM, CTS™ AIM-V Medium, CTS™ AIM-V SFM, LymphoONE™ T-Cell Expansion Xeno-Free Medium, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), Minimal Essential Medium (MEM), Basal Medium Eagle (BME), RPMI 1640, F-10, F-12, Minimal Essential Medium (uMEM), Glasgow's Minimal Essential Medium (G-MEM), RPMI growth medium, and Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium.

In some embodiments, the serum supplement or serum replacement includes, but is not limited to one or more of CTS™ OpTmizer T-Cell Expansion Serum Supplement, CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement, one or more albumins or albumin substitutes, one or more amino acids, one or more vitamins, one or more transferrins or transferrin substitutes, one or more antioxidants, one or more insulins or insulin substitutes, one or more collagen precursors, one or more antibiotics, and one or more trace elements. In some embodiments, the defined medium comprises albumin and one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of glycine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-proline, L-hydroxyproline, L-serine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, L-valine, thiamine, reduced glutathione, L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate, iron saturated transferrin, insulin, and compounds containing the trace element moieties Ag⁺, Al³⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, CO²⁺, Cr³, Ge⁴⁺, Se⁴⁺, Br, T, Mn²⁺, P, Si⁴⁺, V⁵⁺, Mo⁶⁺, Ni²⁺, Rb⁺, Sn²⁺ and Zr⁴⁺. In some embodiments, the defined medium further comprises L-glutamine, sodium bicarbonate and/or 2-mercaptoethanol.

In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Immune Cell Serum Replacement is used with conventional growth media, including but not limited to CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium, CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM, CTS™ AIM-V Medium, CST™ AIM-V SFM, LymphoONE™ T-Cell Expansion Xeno-Free Medium, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), Minimal Essential Medium (MEM), Basal Medium Eagle (BME), RPMI 1640, F-10, F-12, Minimal Essential Medium (uMEM), Glasgow's Minimal Essential Medium (G-MEM), RPMI growth medium, and Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium.

In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration (vol %) in the serum-free or defined medium is from about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, or 20% by volume of the total serum-free or defined medium. In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration is about 3% of the total volume of the serum-free or defined medium. In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration is about 5% of the total volume of the serum-free or defined medium. In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration is about 10% of the total volume of the serum-free or defined medium.

In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium is CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM (ThermoFisher Scientific). Any formulation of CTS™ OpTmizer™ is useful in the present invention. CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is a combination of 1 L CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium and 26 mL CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Supplement, which are mixed together prior to use. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific). In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), along with 2-mercaptoethanol at 55 mM. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and the final concentration of 2-mercaptoethanol in the media is 55 μM.

In some embodiments, the defined medium is CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM (ThermoFisher Scientific). Any formulation of CTS™ OpTmizer™ is useful in the present invention. CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is a combination of 1 L CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium and 26 mL CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Supplement, which are mixed together prior to use. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), along with 2-mercaptoethanol at 55 mM. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine, and further comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine, and further comprises about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and further comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2.

In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and about 2 mM glutamine, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and about 2 mM glutamine, and further comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and about 2 mM glutamine, and further comprises about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and the final concentration of 2-mercaptoethanol in the media is 55 μM.

In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with glutamine (i.e., GlutaMAX®) at a concentration of from about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM, 0.5 mM to about 9 mM, 1 mM to about 8 mM, 2 mM to about 7 mM, 3 mM to about 6 mM, or 4 mM to about 5 mM. In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with glutamine (i.e., GlutaMAX®) at a concentration of about 2 mM.

In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with 2-mercaptoethanol at a concentration of from about 5 mM to about 150 mM, 10 mM to about 140 mM, 15 mM to about 130 mM, 20 mM to about 120 mM, 25 mM to about 110 mM, 30 mM to about 100 mM, 35 mM to about 95 mM, 40 mM to about 90 mM, 45 mM to about 85 mM, 50 mM to about 80 mM, 55 mM to about 75 mM, 60 mM to about 70 mM, or about 65 mM. In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with 2-mercaptoethanol at a concentration of about 55 mM. In some embodiments, the final concentration of 2-mercaptoethanol in the media is 55 μM.

In some embodiments, the defined media described in International PCT Publication No. WO/1998/030679, which is herein incorporated by reference, are useful in the present invention. In that publication, serum-free eukaryotic cell culture media are described. The serum-free, eukaryotic cell culture medium includes a basal cell culture medium supplemented with a serum-free supplement capable of supporting the growth of cells in serum-free culture. The serum-free eukaryotic cell culture medium supplement comprises or is obtained by combining one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of one or more albumins or albumin substitutes, one or more amino acids, one or more vitamins, one or more transferrins or transferrin substitutes, one or more antioxidants, one or more insulins or insulin substitutes, one or more collagen precursors, one or more trace elements, and one or more antibiotics. In some embodiments, the defined medium further comprises L-glutamine, sodium bicarbonate and/or beta-mercaptoethanol. In some embodiments, the defined medium comprises an albumin or an albumin substitute and one or more ingredients selected from group consisting of one or more amino acids, one or more vitamins, one or more transferrins or transferrin substitutes, one or more antioxidants, one or more insulins or insulin substitutes, one or more collagen precursors, and one or more trace elements. In some embodiments, the defined medium comprises albumin and one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of glycine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-proline, L-hydroxyproline, L-serine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, L-valine, thiamine, reduced glutathione, L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate, iron saturated transferrin, insulin, and compounds containing the trace element moieties Ag⁺, Al³⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, Ge⁴⁺, Se⁴⁺, Br, T, Mn²⁺, P, Si⁴⁺, V⁵, Mo⁶⁺, Ni²⁺, Rb⁺, Sn2+ and Zr”. In some embodiments, the basal cell media is selected from the group consisting of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), Minimal Essential Medium (MEM), Basal Medium Eagle (BME), RPMI 1640, F-10, F-12, Minimal Essential Medium (uMEM), Glasgow's Minimal Essential Medium (G-MEM), RPMI growth medium, and Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium.

In some embodiments, the concentration of glycine in the defined medium is in the range of from about 5-200 mg/L, the concentration of L-histidine is about 5-250 mg/L, the concentration of L-isoleucine is about 5-300 mg/L, the concentration of L-methionine is about 5-200 mg/L, the concentration of L-phenylalanine is about 5-400 mg/L, the concentration of L-proline is about 1-1000 mg/L, the concentration of L-hydroxyproline is about 1-45 mg/L, the concentration of L-serine is about 1-250 mg/L, the concentration of L-threonine is about 10⁻⁵⁰⁰ mg/L, the concentration of L-tryptophan is about 2-110 mg/L, the concentration of L-tyrosine is about 3-175 mg/L, the concentration of L-valine is about 5-500 mg/L, the concentration of thiamine is about 1-20 mg/L, the concentration of reduced glutathione is about 1-20 mg/L, the concentration of L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate is about 1-200 mg/L, the concentration of iron saturated transferrin is about 1-50 mg/L, the concentration of insulin is about 1-100 mg/L, the concentration of sodium selenite is about 0.000001-0.0001 mg/L, and the concentration of albumin (e.g., AlbuMAX® I) is about 5000-50,000 mg/L.

In some embodiments, the non-trace element moiety ingredients in the defined medium are present in the concentration ranges listed in the column under the heading “Concentration Range in 1× Medium” in Table 4. In other embodiments, the non-trace element moiety ingredients in the defined medium are present in the final concentrations listed in the column under the heading “A Preferred Embodiment of the 1× Medium” in Table 4. In other embodiments, the defined medium is a basal cell medium comprising a serum free supplement. In some of these embodiments, the serum free supplement comprises non-trace moiety ingredients of the type and in the concentrations listed in the column under the heading “A Preferred Embodiment in Supplement” in Table 4.

In some embodiments, the osmolarity of the defined medium is between about 260 and 350 mOsmol. In some embodiments, the osmolarity is between about 280 and 310 mOsmol. In some embodiments, the defined medium is supplemented with up to about 3.7 g/L, or about 2.2 g/L sodium bicarbonate. The defined medium can be further supplemented with L-glutamine (final concentration of about 2 mM), one or more antibiotics, non-essential amino acids (NEAA; final concentration of about 100 μM), 2-mercaptoethanol (final concentration of about 100 μM).

In some embodiments, the defined media described in Smith, et al., Clin. Transl. Immunology, 4(1), 2015 (doi: 10.1038/cti.2014.31) are useful in the present invention. Briefly, RPMI or CTS™ OpTmizer™ was used as the basal cell medium, and supplemented with either 0, 2%, 5%, or 10% CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement.

In some embodiments, the cell medium in the first and/or second gas permeable container is unfiltered. The use of unfiltered cell medium may simplify the procedures necessary to expand the number of cells. In some embodiments, the cell medium in the first and/or second gas permeable container lacks beta-mercaptoethanol (BME or PME; also known as 2-mercaptoethanol, CAS 60-24-2).

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 1 to 8 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 2 to 8 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 3 to 8 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 4 to 8 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 5 to 8 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 6 to 8 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those provided in Step B of FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 7 to 8 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those provided in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 8 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 1 to 7 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 2 to 7 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 3 to 7 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 4 to 7 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 5 to 7 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those described in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 6 to 7 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion (including processes such as for example those provided in Step B of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), which can include those sometimes referred to as the pre-REP or priming REP) process is 7 days, as discussed in the examples and figures.

In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 1 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 1 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 2 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 2 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 3 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 3 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 4 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 4 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 5 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 5 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 6 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 6 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 7 to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the priming first TIL expansion can proceed for 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion of the TILs can proceed for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, or 8 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 1 day to 8 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 1 day to 7 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 2 days to 8 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 2 days to 7 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 3 days to 8 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 3 days to 7 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 4 days to 8 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 4 days to 7 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 5 days to 8 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 5 days to 7 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 6 days to 8 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 6 days to 7 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 7 to 8 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 8 days. In some embodiments, the first TIL expansion can proceed for 7 days.

In some embodiments, a combination of IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and/or IL-21 are employed as a combination during the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and/or IL-21 as well as any combinations thereof can be included during the priming first expansion, including, for example during Step B processes according to FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as well as described herein. In some embodiments, a combination of IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 are employed as a combination during the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 as well as any combinations thereof can be included during Step B processes according to FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) and as described herein.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion, for example, Step B according to FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), is performed in a closed system bioreactor. In some embodiments, a closed system is employed for the TIL expansion, as described herein. In some embodiments, a bioreactor is employed. In some embodiments, a bioreactor is employed as the container. In some embodiments, the bioreactor employed is for example a G-REX-10 or a G-REX-100. In some embodiments, the bioreactor employed is a G-REX-100. In some embodiments, the bioreactor employed is a G-REX-10.

1. Feeder Cells and Antigen Presenting Cells

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein (for example including expansion such as those described in Step B from FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as well as those referred to as pre-REP or priming REP) does not require feeder cells (also referred to herein as “antigen-presenting cells”) at the initiation of the TIL expansion, but rather are added during the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein (for example including expansion such as those described in Step B from FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as well as those referred to as pre-REP or priming REP) does not require feeder cells (also referred to herein as “antigen-presenting cells”) at the initiation of the TIL expansion, but rather are added during the priming first expansion at any time during days 4-8. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein (for example including expansion such as those described in Step B from FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as well as those referred to as pre-REP or priming REP) does not require feeder cells (also referred to herein as “antigen-presenting cells”) at the initiation of the TIL expansion, but rather are added during the priming first expansion at any time during days 4-7. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein (for example including expansion such as those described in Step B from FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as well as those referred to as pre-REP or priming REP) does not require feeder cells (also referred to herein as “antigen-presenting cells”) at the initiation of the TIL expansion, but rather are added during the priming first expansion at any time during days 5-8. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein (for example including expansion such as those described in Step B from FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as well as those referred to as pre-REP or priming REP) does not require feeder cells (also referred to herein as “antigen-presenting cells”) at the initiation of the TIL expansion, but rather are added during the priming first expansion at any time during days 5-7. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein (for example including expansion such as those described in Step B from FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as well as those referred to as pre-REP or priming REP) does not require feeder cells (also referred to herein as “antigen-presenting cells”) at the initiation of the TIL expansion, but rather are added during the priming first expansion at any time during days 6-8. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein (for example including expansion such as those described in Step B from FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as well as those referred to as pre-REP or priming REP) does not require feeder cells (also referred to herein as “antigen-presenting cells”) at the initiation of the TIL expansion, but rather are added during the priming first expansion at any time during days 6-7. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein (for example including expansion such as those described in Step B from FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as well as those referred to as pre-REP or priming REP) does not require feeder cells (also referred to herein as “antigen-presenting cells”) at the initiation of the TIL expansion, but rather are added during the priming first expansion at any time during day 7 or 8. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein (for example including expansion such as those described in Step B from FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as well as those referred to as pre-REP or priming REP) does not require feeder cells (also referred to herein as “antigen-presenting cells”) at the initiation of the TIL expansion, but rather are added during the priming first expansion at any time during day 7. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein (for example including expansion such as those described in Step B from FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as well as those referred to as pre-REP or priming REP) does not require feeder cells (also referred to herein as “antigen-presenting cells”) at the initiation of the TIL expansion, but rather are added during the priming first expansion at any time during day 8.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein (for example including expansion such as those described in Step B from FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8B), as well as those referred to as pre-REP or priming REP) require feeder cells (also referred to herein as “antigen-presenting cells”) at the initiation of the TIL expansion and during the priming first expansion. In many embodiments, the feeder cells are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from standard whole blood units from allogeneic healthy blood donors. The PBMCs are obtained using standard methods such as Ficoll-Paque gradient separation. In some embodiments, 2.5×10⁸ feeder cells are used during the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, 2.5×10⁸ feeder cells per container are used during the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, 2.5×10⁸ feeder cells per GREX-10 are used during the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, 2.5×10⁸ feeder cells per GREX-100 are used during the priming first expansion.

In general, the allogeneic PBMCs are inactivated, either via irradiation or heat treatment, and used in the REP procedures, as described in the examples, which provides an exemplary protocol for evaluating the replication incompetence of irradiate allogeneic PBMCs.

In some embodiments, PBMCs are considered replication incompetent and acceptable for use in the TIL expansion procedures described herein if the total number of viable cells on day 14 is less than the initial viable cell number put into culture on day 0 of the priming first expansion.

In some embodiments, PBMCs are considered replication incompetent and acceptable for use in the TIL expansion procedures described herein if the total number of viable cells, cultured in the presence of OKT3 and IL-2, on day 7 have not increased from the initial viable cell number put into culture on day 0 of the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 30 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 3000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 30 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 6000 IU/mL IL-2.

In some embodiments, PBMCs are considered replication incompetent and acceptable for use in the TIL expansion procedures described herein if the total number of viable cells, cultured in the presence of OKT3 and IL-2, on day 7 have not increased from the initial viable cell number put into culture on day 0 of the priming first expansion. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 5-60 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 1000-6000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 10⁻⁵⁰ ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 2000-5000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 20-40 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 2000-4000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 25-35 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 2500-3500 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 30 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 6000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 15 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 3000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 15 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 6000 IU/mL IL-2.

In some embodiments, the antigen-presenting feeder cells are PBMCs. In some embodiments, the antigen-presenting feeder cells are artificial antigen-presenting feeder cells. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to antigen-presenting feeder cells in the second expansion is about 1 to 25, about 1 to 50, about 1 to 100, about 1 to 125, about 1 to 150, about 1 to 175, about 1 to 200, about 1 to 225, about 1 to 250, about 1 to 275, about 1 to 300, about 1 to 325, about 1 to 350, about 1 to 375, about 1 to 400, or about 1 to 500. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to antigen-presenting feeder cells in the second expansion is between 1 to 50 and 1 to 300. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to antigen-presenting feeder cells in the second expansion is between 1 to 100 and 1 to 200.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein require a ratio of about 2.5×10⁸ feeder cells to about 100×10⁶ TILs. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein require a ratio of about 2.5×10⁸ feeder cells to about 50×10⁶ TILs. In yet other embodiments, the priming first expansion described herein require about 2.5×10⁸ feeder cells to about 25×10⁶ TILs. In yet other embodiments, the priming first expansion described herein require about 2.5×10⁸ feeder cells. In yet other embodiments, the priming first expansion requires one-fourth, one-third, five-twelfths, or one-half of the number of feeder cells used in the rapid second expansion.

In some embodiments, the media in the priming first expansion comprises IL-2. In some embodiments, the media in the priming first expansion comprises 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the media in the priming first expansion comprises antigen-presenting feeder cells. In some embodiments, the media in the priming first expansion comprises 2.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells per container. In some embodiments, the media in the priming first expansion comprises OKT-3. In some embodiments, the media comprises 30 ng of OKT-3 per container. In some embodiments, the container is a GREX100 MCS flask. In some embodiments, the media comprises 6000 IU/mL of IL-2, 30 ng/mL of OKT-3, and 2.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells. In some embodiments, the media comprises 6000 IU/mL of IL-2, 30 ng/mL of OKT-3, and 2.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells per container. In some embodiments, the media comprises 500 mL of culture medium and 15 pg of OKT-3 per 2.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells per container. In some embodiments, the media comprises 500 mL of culture medium and 15 pg of OKT-3 per container. In some embodiments, the container is a GREX100 MCS flask. In some embodiments, the media comprises 500 mL of culture medium, 6000 IU/mL of IL-2, 30 ng/mL of OKT-3, and 2.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells. In some embodiments, the media comprises 500 mL of culture medium, 6000 IU/mL of IL-2, 15 pg of OKT-3, and 2.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells per container. In some embodiments, the media comprises 500 mL of culture medium and 15 pg of OKT-3 per 2.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells per container.

In some embodiments, the priming first expansion procedures described herein require an excess of feeder cells over TILs during the second expansion. In many embodiments, the feeder cells are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from standard whole blood units from allogeneic healthy blood donors. The PBMCs are obtained using standard methods such as Ficoll-Paque gradient separation. In some embodiments, artificial antigen-presenting (aAPC) cells are used in place of PBMCs.

In general, the allogeneic PBMCs are inactivated, either via irradiation or heat treatment, and used in the TIL expansion procedures described herein, including the exemplary procedures described in the figures and examples.

In some embodiments, artificial antigen presenting cells are used in the priming first expansion as a replacement for, or in combination with, PBMCs.

2. Cytokines and Other Additives

The expansion methods described herein generally use culture media with high doses of a cytokine, in particular IL-2, as is known in the art.

Alternate

In some embodiments, using combinations of cytokines for the priming first expansion of TILs is possible, with combinations of two or more of IL-2, IL-15 and IL-21 as is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2017/0107490 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Thus, possible combinations include IL-2 and IL-15, IL-2 and IL-21, IL-15 and IL-21 and IL-2, or IL-15 and IL-21. The use of combinations of cytokines specifically favors the generation of lymphocytes, and in particular T-cells as described therein. In some embodiments, IL-2 is added at a low concentration, for example, at about 10 IU/mL, about 20 IU/mL, about 30 IU/mL, about 40 IU/mL, about 50 IU/mL, about 100 IU/mL, about 200 IU/mL, about 300 IU/mL, about 400 IU/mL, about 500 IU/mL, about 600 IU/mL, about 700 IU/mL, about 800 IU/mL, about 900 IU/mL, about 1000 IU/mL, about 1500 IU/mL, about 2000 IU/mL, about 2500 IU/mL, about 3000 IU/mL, about 3500 IU/mL, or about 4000 IU/mL. In some embodiments, IL-2 is added at about 10⁻⁴⁰⁰⁰ IU/mL, at about 100-3000 IU/mL, at about 500-2000 IU/ML, or at about 1000-1500 IU/mL. In some embodiments, IL-2 is added at about 1000 IU/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 1 ng/mL, about 2 ng/mL, about 3 ng/mL, about 4 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, or about 100 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-21 is added at about 1 ng/mL, about 2 ng/mL, about 3 ng/mL, about 4 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, about 100 ng/mL, about 150 ng/mL, about 200 ng/mL, about 250 ng/mL, or about 300 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL and IL-21 is added at about 30 ng/mL. In some embodiments, one or more of IL-2, IL-15 and IL-21 is added twice during Step B, for example, at DO and D3, DO and D4, DO and D5, DO and D6, DO and D7, DO and D8, of Step B. See, for example, Table 2.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of OKT-3 antibody or muromonab to the culture media, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of a 4-1BB agonist to the culture media, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of an OX-40 agonist to the culture media, as described elsewhere herein. In addition, additives such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator I-alpha agonists, including proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists such as a thiazolidinedione compound, may be used in the culture media during Step B, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2019/0307796 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor (AKTi) in the culture media. In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cultured in a medium comprising an AKT inhibitor to obtain a population of CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs. In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, Honokiol, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is ipatasertib. In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cultured in a medium comprising about 0.1p M, about 0.2 μM, about 0.3 μM, about 0.4 μM, about 0.5 μM, about 0.6 μM, about 0.7 μM, about 0.8 μM, about 0.9 μM, about 1 μM, about 1.1 μM, about 1.2 μM, about 1.3 μM, about 1.4 μM, about 1.5 μM, about 1.6 μM, about 1.7 μM, about 1.8 μM, about 1.9 μM, about 2 μM, about 2.1p M, about 2.2 μM, about 2.3 μM, about 2.4 μM, about 2.5 μM, about 2.6 μM, about 2.7 μM, about 2.8 μM, about 2.9 μM, about 3 μM, about 3.5 μM, about 4 μM, about 4.5 μM, about 5 μM, about 6 μM, about 7 μM, about 8 μM, about 9 μM, about 10 μM, about 20 μM, about 30 μM, about 40 μM, about 50 μM, about 60 μM, about 70 μM, about 80μM, about 90 μM, or about 100 μM of an AKT inhibitor.

In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 2.5 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 7.5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 12.5 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, or about 20 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-21 is added at about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 45 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, or about 60 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-21 is added at about 30 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL and IL-21 is at about 30 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of a CD40 agonist, such as a CD40L or an anti-CD40 agonistic antibody at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, CD40L is added. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 agonistic antibody is added. In some embodiments, a CD40 agonist is added at about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 45 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, or about 60 ng/mL. In some embodiments, a CD40 agonist is added at about 30 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of a IFNγ at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, IFNγ is added. In some embodiments, IFNγ is added at about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 65 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 75 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 85 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, about 95 ng/mL, about 100 ng/mL, about 105 ng/mL, about 110 ng/mL, about 115 ng/mL, about 120 ng/mL, about 125 ng/mL, about 130 ng/mL, about 135 ng/mL, about 140 ng/mL, about 145 ng/mL, about 150 ng/mL about 155 ng/mL, about 160 ng/mL, about 165 ng/mL about 170 ng/mL, about 175 ng/mL, about 180 ng/mL, about 185 ng/mL, about 190 ng/mL, about 195 ng/mL, about 200 ng/mL, about 205 ng/mL, about 210 ng/mL, about 215 ng/mL about 220 ng/mL, about 225 ng/mL, about 230 ng/mL, about 235 ng/mL, about 240 ng/mL, about 245 ng/mL, about 250 ng/mL, about 255 ng/mL, about 260 ng/mL, about 265 ng/mL, about 270 ng/mL, about 275 ng/mL, about 280 ng/mL, about 285 ng/mL, about 290 ng/mL, about 295 ng/mL, or about 300 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IFNγ is added at about 200 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of an anti-PD-1 antibody at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, an anti-PD-1 antibody is added at about 5 μg/mL, about 10 μg/mL, about 15 μg/mL, about 20 μg/mL, about 25 μg/mL, about 30 μg/mL, about 35 μg/mL, about 40 μg/mL, about 45 μg/mL, about 50 μg/mL, about 55 μg/mL, or about 60 μg/mL. In some embodiments, an anti-PD-1 antibody is added at about 10 μg/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of an anti-CTLA-4 antibody at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody is added at about 5 μg/mL, about 10 μg/mL, about 15 μg/mL, about 20 μg/mL, about 25 μg/mL, about 30 μg/mL, about 35 μg/mL, about 40 μg/mL, about 45 μg/mL, about 50 μg/mL, about 55 μg/mL, or about 60 μg/mL. In some embodiments, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody is added at about 10 μg/mL.

C. STEP C: Priming First Expansion to Rapid Second Expansion Transition

In some cases, the bulk TIL population obtained from the priming first expansion (which can include expansions sometimes referred to as pre-REP), including, for example the TIL population obtained from for example, Step B as indicated in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), can be subjected to a rapid second expansion (which can include expansions sometimes referred to as Rapid Expansion Protocol (REP)) and then cryopreserved as discussed below. Similarly, in the case where genetically modified TILs will be used in therapy, the expanded TIL population from the priming first expansion or the expanded TIL population from the rapid second expansion can be subjected to genetic modifications for suitable treatments prior to the expansion step or after the priming first expansion and prior to the rapid second expansion.

In some embodiments, the TILs obtained from the priming first expansion (for example, from Step B as indicated in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) are stored until phenotyped for selection. In some embodiments, the TILs obtained from the priming first expansion (for example, from Step B as indicated in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) are not stored and proceed directly to the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the TILs obtained from the priming first expansion are not cryopreserved after the priming first expansion and prior to the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 2 days, 3 days, 4, days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, or 8 days from when tumor fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs at about 3 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs at about 3 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 4 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 4 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 5 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 5 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 6 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 6 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 7 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs at about 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated.

In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs at 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, or 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs 1 day to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs 1 day to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs 2 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs 2 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs 3 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the second expansion occurs 3 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs 4 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs 4 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs 5 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs 5 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs 6 days to 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs 6 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs 7 days to 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs 7 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion occurs 8 days from when fragmentation occurs and/or when the first priming expansion step is initiated.

In some embodiments, the TILs are not stored after the primary first expansion and prior to the rapid second expansion, and the TILs proceed directly to the rapid second expansion (for example, in some embodiments, there is no storage during the transition from Step B to Step D as shown in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)). In some embodiments, the transition occurs in closed system, as described herein. In some embodiments, the TILs from the priming first expansion, the second population of TILs, proceeds directly into the rapid second expansion with no transition period.

In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion, for example, Step C according to FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), is performed in a closed system bioreactor. In some embodiments, a closed system is employed for the TIL expansion, as described herein. In some embodiments, a single bioreactor is employed. In some embodiments, the single bioreactor employed is for example a GREX-10 or a GREX-100. In some embodiments, the closed system bioreactor is a single bioreactor. In some embodiments, the transition from the priming first expansion to the rapid second expansion involves a scale-up in container size. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion is performed in a smaller container than the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the priming first expansion is performed in a GREX-100 and the rapid second expansion is performed in a GREX-500.

D. STEP D: Rapid Second Expansion

In some embodiments, the TIL cell population is further expanded in number after harvest and the priming first expansion, after Step A and Step B, and the transition referred to as Step C, as indicated in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). This further expansion is referred to herein as the rapid second expansion or a rapid expansion, which can include expansion processes generally referred to in the art as a rapid expansion process (Rapid Expansion Protocol or REP; as well as processes as indicated in Step D of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). The rapid second expansion is generally accomplished using a culture media comprising a number of components, including feeder cells, a cytokine source, and an anti-CD3 antibody, in a gas-permeable container. In some embodiments, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, or 4 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion (i.e., at days 8, 9, 10, or 11 of the overall Gen 3 process), the TILs are transferred to a larger volume container.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion (which can include expansions sometimes referred to as REP; as well as processes as indicated in Step D of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) of TIL can be performed using any TIL flasks or containers known by those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4, days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days or 10 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 1 days to about 9 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 1 days to about 10 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 2 days to about 9 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 2 days to about 10 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 3 days to about 9 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 3 days to about 10 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 4 days to about 9 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 4 days to about 10 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 5 days to about 9 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 5 days to about 10 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 6 days to about 9 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 6 days to about 10 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 7 days to about 9 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 7 days to about 10 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 8 days to about 9 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 8 days to about 10 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 9 days to about 10 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 1 day after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 2 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 3 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 4 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 5 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 6 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 7 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 8 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 9 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion. In some embodiments, the second TIL expansion can proceed for about 10 days after initiation of the rapid second expansion.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion can be performed in a gas permeable container using the methods of the present disclosure (including, for example, expansions referred to as REP; as well as processes as indicated in Step D of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). In some embodiments, the TILs are expanded in the rapid second expansion in the presence of IL-2, OKT-3, and feeder cells (also referred herein as “antigen-presenting cells”). In some embodiments, the TILs are expanded in the rapid second expansion in the presence of IL-2, OKT-3, and feeder cells, wherein the feeder cells are added to a final concentration that is twice, 2.4 times, 2.5 times, 3 times, 3.5 times or 4 times the concentration of feeder cells present in the priming first expansion. For example, TILs can be rapidly expanded using non-specific T-cell receptor stimulation in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) or interleukin-15 (IL-15). The non-specific T-cell receptor stimulus can include, for example, an anti-CD3 antibody, such as about 30 ng/mL of OKT3, a mouse monoclonal anti-CD3 antibody (commercially available from Ortho-McNeil, Raritan, NJ or Miltenyi Biotech, Auburn, CA) or UHCT-1 (commercially available from BioLegend, San Diego, CA, USA). TILs can be expanded to induce further stimulation of the TILs in vitro by including one or more antigens during the second expansion, including antigenic portions thereof, such as epitope(s), of the cancer, which can be optionally expressed from a vector, such as a human leukocyte antigen A2 (HLA-A2) binding peptide, e.g., 0.3 μM MART-1:26-35 (27 L) or gpl 00:209-217 (210M), optionally in the presence of a T-cell growth factor, such as 300 IU/mL IL-2 or IL-15. Other suitable antigens may include, e.g., NY-ESO-1, TRP-1, TRP-2, tyrosinase cancer antigen, MAGE-A3, SSX-2, and VEGFR2, or antigenic portions thereof. TIL may also be rapidly expanded by re-stimulation with the same antigen(s) of the cancer pulsed onto HLA-A2-expressing antigen-presenting cells. Alternatively, the TILs can be further re-stimulated with, e.g., example, irradiated, autologous lymphocytes or with irradiated HLA-A2+ allogeneic lymphocytes and IL-2. In some embodiments, the re-stimulation occurs as part of the second expansion. In some embodiments, the second expansion occurs in the presence of irradiated, autologous lymphocytes or with irradiated HLA-A2+ allogeneic lymphocytes and IL-2.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium further comprises IL-2. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 1000 IU/mL, about 1500 IU/mL, about 2000 IU/mL, about 2500 IU/mL, about 3000 IU/mL, about 3500 IU/mL, about 4000 IU/mL, about 4500 IU/mL, about 5000 IU/mL, about 5500 IU/mL, about 6000 IU/mL, about 6500 IU/mL, about 7000 IU/mL, about 7500 IU/mL, or about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises between 1000 and 2000 IU/mL, between 2000 and 3000 IU/mL, between 3000 and 4000 IU/mL, between 4000 and 5000 IU/mL, between 5000 and 6000 IU/mL, between 6000 and 7000 IU/mL, between 7000 and 8000 IU/mL, or between 8000 IU/mL of IL-2.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 30 ng/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 0.1 ng/mL, about 0.5 ng/mL, about 1 ng/mL, about 2.5 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 7.5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, about 100 ng/mL, about 200 ng/mL, about 500 ng/mL, and about 1 μg/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises between 0.1 ng/mL and 1 ng/mL, between 1 ng/mL and 5 ng/mL, between 5 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL, between 10 ng/mL and 20 ng/mL, between 20 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL, between 30 ng/mL and 40 ng/mL, between 40 ng/mL and 50 ng/mL, and between 50 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises between 15 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises between 30 ng/mL and 60 ng/mL of OKT-3 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 30 ng/mL OKT-3. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 60 ng/mL OKT-3. In some embodiments, the OKT-3 antibody is muromonab.

In some embodiments, the media in the rapid second expansion comprises IL-2. In some embodiments, the media comprises 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the media in the rapid second expansion comprises antigen-presenting feeder cells. In some embodiments, the media in the rapid second expansion comprises 7.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells per container. In some embodiments, the media in the rapid second expansion comprises OKT-3. In some embodiments, the in the rapid second expansion media comprises 500 mL of culture medium and 30 pg of OKT-3 per container. In some embodiments, the container is a G-REX-100 MCS flask. In some embodiments, the in the rapid second expansion media comprises 6000 IU/mL of IL-2, 60 ng/mL of OKT-3, and 7.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells. In some embodiments, the media comprises 500 mL of culture medium and 6000 IU/mL of IL-2, 30 pg of OKT-3, and 7.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells per container.

In some embodiments, the media in the rapid second expansion comprises IL-2. In some embodiments, the media comprises 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the media in the rapid second expansion comprises antigen-presenting feeder cells. In some embodiments, the media comprises between 5×10⁸ and 7.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells per container. In some embodiments, the media in the rapid second expansion comprises OKT-3. In some embodiments, the media in the rapid second expansion comprises 500 mL of culture medium and 30 pg of OKT-3 per container. In some embodiments, the container is a G-REX-100 MCS flask. In some embodiments, the media in the rapid second expansion comprises 6000 IU/mL of IL-2, 60 ng/mL of OKT-3, and between 5×10⁸ and 7.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells. In some embodiments, the media in the rapid second expansion comprises 500 mL of culture medium and 6000 IU/mL of IL-2, 30 pg of OKT-3, and between 5×10⁸ and 7.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells per container.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises one or more TNFRSF agonists in a cell culture medium. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist comprises a 4-1BB agonist. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is a 4-1BB agonist, and the 4-1BB agonist is selected from the group consisting of urelumab, utomilumab, EU-101, a fusion protein, and fragments, derivatives, variants, biosimilars, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is added at a concentration sufficient to achieve a concentration in the cell culture medium of between 0.1 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is added at a concentration sufficient to achieve a concentration in the cell culture medium of between 20 μg/mL and 40 μg/mL.

In some embodiments, in addition to one or more TNFRSF agonists, the cell culture medium further comprises IL-2 at an initial concentration of about 3000 IU/mL and OKT-3 antibody at an initial concentration of about 30 ng/mL, and wherein the one or more TNFRSF agonists comprises a 4-1BB agonist.

In some embodiments, a combination of IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and/or IL-21 are employed as a combination during the second expansion. In some embodiments, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and/or IL-21 as well as any combinations thereof can be included during the second expansion, including, for example during a Step D processes according to FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as well as described herein. In some embodiments, a combination of IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 are employed as a combination during the second expansion. In some embodiments, IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 as well as any combinations thereof can be included during Step D processes according to FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G and as described herein.

In some embodiments, the second expansion can be conducted in a supplemented cell culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3, antigen-presenting feeder cells, and optionally a TNFRSF agonist. In some embodiments, the second expansion occurs in a supplemented cell culture medium. In some embodiments, the supplemented cell culture medium comprises IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen-presenting feeder cells. In some embodiments, the second cell culture medium comprises IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen-presenting cells (APCs; also referred to as antigen-presenting feeder cells). In some embodiments, the second expansion occurs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen-presenting feeder cells (i.e., antigen presenting cells).

In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 500 IU/mL of IL-15, about 400 IU/mL of IL-15, about 300 IU/mL of IL-15, about 200 IU/mL of IL-15, about 180 IU/mL of IL-15, about 160 IU/mL of IL-15, about 140 IU/mL of IL-15, about 120 IU/mL of IL-15, or about 100 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 500 IU/mL of IL-15 to about 100 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 400 IU/mL of IL-15 to about 100 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 300 IU/mL of IL-15 to about 100 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 200 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 180 IU/mL of IL-15. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium further comprises IL-15. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 180 IU/mL of IL-15.

In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 20 IU/mL of IL-21, about 15 IU/mL of IL-21, about 12 IU/mL of IL-21, about 10 IU/mL of IL-21, about 5 IU/mL of IL-21, about 4 IU/mL of IL-21, about 3 IU/mL of IL-21, about 2 IU/mL of IL-21, about 1 IU/mL of IL-21, or about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 20 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 15 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 12 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 10 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 5 IU/mL of IL-21 to about 1 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the second expansion culture media comprises about 2 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 1 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 0.5 IU/mL of IL-21. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium further comprises IL-21. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium comprises about 1 IU/mL of IL-21.

In some embodiments, the antigen-presenting feeder cells (APCs) are PBMCs. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to PBMCs and/or antigen-presenting cells in the rapid expansion and/or the second expansion is about 1 to 10, about 1 to 15, about 1 to 20, about 1 to 25, about 1 to 30, about 1 to 35, about 1 to 40, about 1 to 45, about 1 to 50, about 1 to 75, about 1 to 100, about 1 to 125, about 1 to 150, about 1 to 175, about 1 to 200, about 1 to 225, about 1 to 250, about 1 to 275, about 1 to 300, about 1 to 325, about 1 to 350, about 1 to 375, about 1 to 400, or about 1 to 500. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to PBMCs in the rapid expansion and/or the second expansion is between 1 to 50 and 1 to 300. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to PBMCs in the rapid expansion and/or the second expansion is between 1 to 100 and 1 to 200.

In some embodiments, REP and/or the rapid second expansion is performed in flasks with the bulk TILs being mixed with a 100- or 200-fold excess of inactivated feeder cells, wherein the feeder cell concentration is at least 1.1 times (1.1×), 1.2×, 1.3×, 1.4×, 1.5×, 1.6×, 1.7×, 1.8×, 1.8×, 2×, 2.1×2.2×, 2.3×, 2.4×, 2.5×, 2.6×, 2.7×, 2.8×, 2.9×, 3.0×, 3.1×, 3.2×, 3.3×, 3.4×, 3.5×, 3.6×, 3.7×, 3.8×, 3.9× or 4.0× the feeder cell concentration in the priming first expansion, 30 ng/mL OKT3 anti-CD3 antibody and 6000 IU/mL IL-2 in 150 ml media. Media replacement is done (generally 2/3 media replacement via aspiration of 2/3 of spent media and replacement with an equal volume of fresh media) until the cells are transferred to an alternative growth chamber. Alternative growth chambers include G-REX flasks and gas permeable containers as more fully discussed below.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion (which can include processes referred to as the REP process) is 7 to 9 days, as discussed in the examples and figures. In some embodiments, the second expansion is 7 days. In some embodiments, the second expansion is 8 days. In some embodiments, the second expansion is 9 days.

In some embodiments, the second expansion (which can include expansions referred to as REP, as well as those referred to in Step D of FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) may be performed in 500 mL capacity gas permeable flasks with 100 cm gas-permeable silicon bottoms (G-REX-100, commercially available from Wilson Wolf Manufacturing Corporation, New Brighton, MN, USA), 5×10⁶ or 10×10⁶ TIL may be cultured with PBMCs in 400 mL of 50/50 medium, supplemented with 5% human AB serum, 3000 IU per mL of IL-2 and 30 ng per mL of anti-CD3 (OKT3). The G-REX-100 flasks may be incubated at 37° C. in 5% CO₂. On day 5, 250 mL of supernatant may be removed and placed into centrifuge bottles and centrifuged at 1500 rpm (491×g) for 10 minutes. The TIL pellets may be re-suspended with 150 mL of fresh medium with 5% human AB serum, 6000 IU per mL of IL-2, and added back to the original GREX-100 flasks. When TIL are expanded serially in GREX-100 flasks, on day 10 or 11 the TILs can be moved to a larger flask, such as a GREX-500. The cells may be harvested on day 14 of culture. The cells may be harvested on day 15 of culture. The cells may be harvested on day 16 of culture. In some embodiments, media replacement is done until the cells are transferred to an alternative growth chamber. In some embodiments, 2/3 of the media is replaced by aspiration of spent media and replacement with an equal volume of fresh media. In some embodiments, alternative growth chambers include GREX flasks and gas permeable containers as more fully discussed below.

In some embodiments, the culture medium used in the expansion processes disclosed herein is a serum-free medium or a defined medium. In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium comprises a basal cell medium and a serum supplement and/or a serum replacement. In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium is used to prevent and/or decrease experimental variation due in part to the lot-to-lot variation of serum-containing media.

In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium comprises a basal cell medium and a serum supplement and/or serum replacement. In some embodiments, the basal cell medium includes, but is not limited to CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium, CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion SFM, CTS™ AIM-V Medium, CTS™ AIM-V SFM, LymphoONE™ T-Cell Expansion Xeno-Free Medium, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), Minimal Essential Medium (MEM), Basal Medium Eagle (BME), RPMI 1640, F-10, F-12, Minimal Essential Medium (uMEM), Glasgow's Minimal Essential Medium (G-MEM), RPMI growth medium, and Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium.

In some embodiments, the serum supplement or serum replacement includes, but is not limited to one or more of CTS™ OpTmizer T-Cell Expansion Serum Supplement, CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement, one or more albumins or albumin substitutes, one or more amino acids, one or more vitamins, one or more transferrins or transferrin substitutes, one or more antioxidants, one or more insulins or insulin substitutes, one or more collagen precursors, one or more antibiotics, and one or more trace elements. In some embodiments, the defined medium comprises albumin and one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of glycine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-proline, L-hydroxyproline, L-serine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, L-valine, thiamine, reduced glutathione, L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate, iron saturated transferrin, insulin, and compounds containing the trace element moieties Ag⁺, Al³⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, CO²⁺, Cr³⁺ Ge⁴⁺, Se⁴⁺, Br, T, Mn²⁺, P, Si⁴⁺, V⁵⁺, Mo⁶⁺, Ni²⁺, Rb⁺, Sn²⁺ and Zr⁴⁺. In some embodiments, the defined medium further comprises L-glutamine, sodium bicarbonate and/or 2-mercaptoethanol.

In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Immune Cell Serum Replacement is used with conventional growth media, including but not limited to CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium, CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM, CTS™ AIM-V Medium, CST™ AIM-V SFM, LymphoONE™ T-Cell Expansion Xeno-Free Medium, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), Minimal Essential Medium (MEM), Basal Medium Eagle (BME), RPMI 1640, F-10, F-12, Minimal Essential Medium (uMEM), Glasgow's Minimal Essential Medium (G-MEM), RPMI growth medium, and Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium.

In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration (vol %) in the serum-free or defined medium is from about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, or 20% by volume of the total serum-free or defined medium. In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration is about 3% of the total volume of the serum-free or defined medium. In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration is about 5% of the total volume of the serum-free or defined medium. In some embodiments, the total serum replacement concentration is about 10% of the total volume of the serum-free or defined medium.

In some embodiments, the serum-free or defined medium is CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM (ThermoFisher Scientific). Any formulation of CTS™ OpTmizer™ is useful in the present invention.

CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is a combination of 1 L CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium and 26 mL CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Supplement, which are mixed together prior to use. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), along with 2-mercaptoethanol at 55 mM.

In some embodiments, the defined medium is CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM (ThermoFisher Scientific). Any formulation of CTS™ OpTmizer™ is useful in the present invention. CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is a combination of 1 L CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion Basal Medium and 26 mL CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Supplement, which are mixed together prior to use. In some embodiments, the CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), along with 2-mercaptoethanol at 55 mM. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine, and further comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific), 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and 2 mM of L-glutamine, and further comprises about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and further comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and 55 mM of 2-mercaptoethanol, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and about 2 mM glutamine, and further comprises about 1000 IU/mL to about 8000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and about 2 mM glutamine, and further comprises about 3000 IU/mL of IL-2. In some embodiments, the CTS™OpTmizer™ T-cell Expansion SFM is supplemented with about 3% of the CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement (SR) (ThermoFisher Scientific) and about 2 mM glutamine, and further comprises about 6000 IU/mL of IL-2.

In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with glutamine (i.e., GlutaMAX®) at a concentration of from about 0.1 mM to about 10 mM, 0.5 mM to about 9 mM, 1 mM to about 8 mM, 2 mM to about 7 mM, 3 mM to about 6 mM, or 4 mM to about 5 mM. In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with glutamine (i.e., GlutaMAX®) at a concentration of about 2 mM.

In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with 2-mercaptoethanol at a concentration of from about 5 mM to about 150 mM, 10 mM to about 140 mM, 15 mM to about 130 mM, 20 mM to about 120 mM, 25 mM to about 110 mM, 30 mM to about 100 mM, 35 mM to about 95 mM, 40 mM to about 90 mM, 45 mM to about 85 mM, 50 mM to about 80 mM, 55 mM to about 75 mM, 60 mM to about 70 mM, or about 65 mM. In some embodiments, the serum-free medium or defined medium is supplemented with 2-mercaptoethanol at a concentration of about 55 mM.

In some embodiments, the defined media described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO1998/030679 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2002/0076747 A1, which is herein incorporated by reference, are useful in the present invention. In that publication, serum-free eukaryotic cell culture media are described. The serum-free, eukaryotic cell culture medium includes a basal cell culture medium supplemented with a serum-free supplement capable of supporting the growth of cells in serum-free culture. The serum-free eukaryotic cell culture medium supplement comprises or is obtained by combining one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of one or more albumins or albumin substitutes, one or more amino acids, one or more vitamins, one or more transferrins or transferrin substitutes, one or more antioxidants, one or more insulins or insulin substitutes, one or more collagen precursors, one or more trace elements, and one or more antibiotics. In some embodiments, the defined medium further comprises L-glutamine, sodium bicarbonate and/or beta-mercaptoethanol. In some embodiments, the defined medium comprises an albumin or an albumin substitute and one or more ingredients selected from group consisting of one or more amino acids, one or more vitamins, one or more transferrins or transferrin substitutes, one or more antioxidants, one or more insulins or insulin substitutes, one or more collagen precursors, and one or more trace elements. In some embodiments, the defined medium comprises albumin and one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of glycine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-proline, L-hydroxyproline, L-serine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, L-valine, thiamine, reduced glutathione, L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate, iron saturated transferrin, insulin, and compounds containing the trace element moieties Ag⁺, Al³⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, Ge⁴⁺, Se⁴⁺, Br, T, Mn²⁺, P, Si⁴⁺, V⁵⁺, Mo⁶⁺, Ni²⁺, Rb⁺, Sn²⁺ and Zr⁴⁺. In some embodiments, the basal cell media is selected from the group consisting of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM), Minimal Essential Medium (MEM), Basal Medium Eagle (BME), RPMI 1640, F-10, F-12, Minimal Essential Medium (uMEM), Glasgow's Minimal Essential Medium (G-MEM), RPMI growth medium, and Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium.

In some embodiments, the concentration of glycine in the defined medium is in the range of from about 5-200 mg/L, the concentration of L-histidine is about 5-250 mg/L, the concentration of L-isoleucine is about 5-300 mg/L, the concentration of L-methionine is about 5-200 mg/L, the concentration of L-phenylalanine is about 5-400 mg/L, the concentration of L-proline is about 1-1000 mg/L, the concentration of L-hydroxyproline is about 1-45 mg/L, the concentration of L-serine is about 1-250 mg/L, the concentration of L-threonine is about 10⁻⁵⁰⁰ mg/L, the concentration of L-tryptophan is about 2-110 mg/L, the concentration of L-tyrosine is about 3-175 mg/L, the concentration of L-valine is about 5-500 mg/L, the concentration of thiamine is about 1-20 mg/L, the concentration of reduced glutathione is about 1-20 mg/L, the concentration of L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate is about 1-200 mg/L, the concentration of iron saturated transferrin is about 1-50 mg/L, the concentration of insulin is about 1-100 mg/L, the concentration of sodium selenite is about 0.000001-0.0001 mg/L, and the concentration of albumin (e.g., AlbuMAX® I) is about 5000-50,000 mg/L.

In some embodiments, the non-trace element moiety ingredients in the defined medium are present in the concentration ranges listed in the column under the heading “Concentration Range in 1× Medium” in Table 4. In other embodiments, the non-trace element moiety ingredients in the defined medium are present in the final concentrations listed in the column under the heading “A Preferred Embodiment of the 1× Medium” in Table 4. In other embodiments, the defined medium is a basal cell medium comprising a serum free supplement. In some of these embodiments, the serum free supplement comprises non-trace moiety ingredients of the type and in the concentrations listed in the column under the heading “A Preferred Embodiment in Supplement” in Table 4.

In some embodiments, the osmolarity of the defined medium is between about 260 and 350 mOsmol. In some embodiments, the osmolarity is between about 280 and 310 mOsmol. In some embodiments, the defined medium is supplemented with up to about 3.7 g/L, or about 2.2 g/L sodium bicarbonate. The defined medium can be further supplemented with L-glutamine (final concentration of about 2 mM), one or more antibiotics, non-essential amino acids (NEAA; final concentration of about 100 μM), 2-mercaptoethanol (final concentration of about 100 μM).In some embodiments, the defined media described in Smith, et al., Clin. Transl. Immunology, 4(1), 2015 (doi: 10.1038/cti.2014.31) are useful in the present invention. Briefly, RPMI or CTS™ OpTmizer™ was used as the basal cell medium, and supplemented with either 0, 2%, 5%, or 10% CTS™ Immune Cell Serum Replacement.

In some embodiments, the cell medium in the first and/or second gas permeable container is unfiltered. The use of unfiltered cell medium may simplify the procedures necessary to expand the number of cells. In some embodiments, the cell medium in the first and/or second gas permeable container lacks beta-mercaptoethanol (BME or PME; also known as 2-mercaptoethanol, CAS 60-24-2).

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion (including expansions referred to as REP) is performed and further comprises a step wherein TILs are selected for superior tumor reactivity. Any selection method known in the art may be used. For example, the methods described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0010058 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, may be used for selection of TILs for superior tumor reactivity.

Optionally, a cell viability assay can be performed after the rapid second expansion (including expansions referred to as the REP expansion), using standard assays known in the art. For example, a trypan blue exclusion assay can be done on a sample of the bulk TILs, which selectively labels dead cells and allows a viability assessment. In some embodiments, TIL samples can be counted and viability determined using a Cellometer K2 automated cell counter (Nexcelom Bioscience, Lawrence, MA). In some embodiments, viability is determined according to the standard Cellometer K2 Image Cytometer Automatic Cell Counter protocol.

The diverse antigen receptors of T and B lymphocytes are produced by somatic recombination of a limited, but large number of gene segments. These gene segments: V (variable), D (diversity), J (joining), and C (constant), determine the binding specificity and downstream applications of immunoglobulins and T-cell receptors (TCRs). The present invention provides a method for generating TILs which exhibit and increase the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, the TILs obtained by the present method exhibit an increase in the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, the TILs obtained in the second expansion exhibit an increase in the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, the increase in diversity is an increase in the immunoglobulin diversity and/or the T-cell receptor diversity. In some embodiments, the diversity is in the immunoglobulin is in the immunoglobulin heavy chain. In some embodiments, the diversity is in the immunoglobulin is in the immunoglobulin light chain. In some embodiments, the diversity is in the T-cell receptor. In some embodiments, the diversity is in one of the T-cell receptors selected from the group consisting of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta receptors. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha and/or beta. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of T-cell receptor (TCR) beta. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of TCRab (i.e., TCRa/D).

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion culture medium (e.g., sometimes referred to as CM2 or the second cell culture medium), comprises IL-2, OKT-3, as well as the antigen-presenting feeder cells (APCs), as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion culture medium (e.g., sometimes referred to as CM2 or the second cell culture medium), comprises 6000 IU/mL IL-2, 30 ug/flask OKT-3, as well as 7.5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells (APCs), as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion culture medium (e.g., sometimes referred to as CM2 or the second cell culture medium), comprises IL-2, OKT-3, as well as the antigen-presenting feeder cells (APCs), as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion culture medium (e.g., sometimes referred to as CM2 or the second cell culture medium), comprises 6000 IU/mL IL-2, 30 ug/flask OKT-3, as well as 5×10⁸ antigen-presenting feeder cells (APCs), as discussed in more detail below.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion, for example, Step D according to FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), is performed in a closed system bioreactor. In some embodiments, a closed system is employed for the TIL expansion, as described herein. In some embodiments, a bioreactor is employed. In some embodiments, a bioreactor is employed as the container. In some embodiments, the bioreactor employed is for example a G-REX-100 or a G-REX-500. In some embodiments, the bioreactor employed is a G-REX-100. In some embodiments, the bioreactor employed is a G-REX-500.

In some embodiments, the step of rapid second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100 MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 7 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer of the TILs in the small scale culture to a second container larger than the first container, e.g., a G-REX-500-MCS container, and culturing the TILs from the small scale culture in a larger scale culture in the second container for a period of about 4 to 7 days.

In some embodiments, the step of rapid second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing TILs in a first small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100 MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 7 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the TILs from the first small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are equal in size to the first container, wherein in each second container the portion of the TILs from first small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a second small scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days.

In some embodiments, the first small scale TIL culture is apportioned into a plurality of about 2 to 5 subpopulations of TILs.

In some embodiments, the step of rapid second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100 MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 7 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the TILs from the small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX-500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the TILs from the small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days.

In some embodiments, the step of rapid second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid or second expansion by culturing TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100 MCS container, for a period of about 5 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the TILs from the small scale culture into and amongst 2, 3 or 4 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX-500 MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the TILs from the small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 6 days.

In some embodiments, upon the splitting of the rapid second expansion, each second container comprises at least 10⁸ TILs. In some embodiments, upon the splitting of the rapid or second expansion, each second container comprises at least 10⁸ TILs, at least 10⁹ TILs, or at least 10¹⁰ TILs. In one exemplary embodiment, each second container comprises at least 10¹⁰ TILs.

In some embodiments, the first small scale TIL culture is apportioned into a plurality of subpopulations. In some embodiments, the first small scale TIL culture is apportioned into a plurality of about 2 to 5 subpopulations. In some embodiments, the first small scale TIL culture is apportioned into a plurality of about 2, 3, 4, or 5 subpopulations.

In some embodiments, after the completion of the rapid second expansion, the plurality of subpopulations comprises a therapeutically effective amount of TILs. In some embodiments, after the completion of the rapid or second expansion, one or more subpopulations of TILs are pooled together to produce a therapeutically effective amount of TILs. In some embodiments, after the completion of the rapid expansion, each subpopulation of TILs comprises a therapeutically effective amount of TILs.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion is performed for a period of about 3 to 7 days before being split into a plurality of steps. In some embodiments, the splitting of the rapid second expansion occurs at about day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, or day 7 after the initiation of the rapid or second expansion.

In some embodiments, the splitting of the rapid second expansion occurs at about day 7, day 8, day 9, day 10, day 11, day 12, day 13, day 14, day 15, or day 16 day 17, or day 18 after the initiation of the first expansion (i.e., pre-REP expansion). In one exemplary embodiment, the splitting of the rapid or second expansion occurs at about day 16 after the initiation of the first expansion.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion is further performed for a period of about 7 to 11 days after the splitting. In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion is further performed for a period of about 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, or 11 days after the splitting.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion before the splitting comprises the same components as the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion after the splitting. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion before the splitting comprises different components from the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion after the splitting.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion before the splitting comprises IL-2, optionally OKT-3 and further optionally APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion before the splitting comprises IL-2, OKT-3, and further optionally APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion before the splitting comprises IL-2, OKT-3 and APCs.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion before the splitting is generated by supplementing the cell culture medium in the first expansion with fresh culture medium comprising IL-2, optionally OKT-3 and further optionally APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion before the splitting is generated by supplementing the cell culture medium in the first expansion with fresh culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion before the splitting is generated by replacing the cell culture medium in the first expansion with fresh cell culture medium comprising IL-2, optionally OKT-3 and further optionally APCs. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion before the splitting is generated by replacing the cell culture medium in the first expansion with fresh cell culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and APCs.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion after the splitting comprises IL-2, and optionally OKT-3. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion after the splitting comprises IL-2, and OKT-3. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion after the splitting is generated by replacing the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion before the splitting with fresh culture medium comprising IL-2 and optionally OKT-3. In some embodiments, the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion after the splitting is generated by replacing the cell culture medium used for the rapid second expansion before the splitting with fresh culture medium comprising IL-2 and OKT-3.

1. Feeder Cells and Antigen Presenting Cells

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion procedures described herein (for example including expansion such as those described in Step D from FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as well as those referred to as REP) require an excess of feeder cells during REP TIL expansion and/or during the rapid second expansion. In many embodiments, the feeder cells are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from standard whole blood units from healthy blood donors. The PBMCs are obtained using standard methods such as Ficoll-Paque gradient separation.

In general, the allogeneic PBMCs are inactivated, either via irradiation or heat treatment, and used in the REP procedures, as described in the examples, which provides an exemplary protocol for evaluating the replication incompetence of irradiate allogeneic PBMCs.

In some embodiments, PBMCs are considered replication incompetent and acceptable for use in the TIL expansion procedures described herein if the total number of viable cells on day 7 or 14 is less than the initial viable cell number put into culture on day 0 of the REP and/or day 0 of the second expansion (i.e., the start day of the second expansion).

In some embodiments, PBMCs are considered replication incompetent and acceptable for use in the TIL expansion procedures described herein if the total number of viable cells, cultured in the presence of OKT3 and IL-2, on day 7 and day 14 has not increased from the initial viable cell number put into culture on day 0 of the REP and/or day 0 of the second expansion (i.e., the start day of the second expansion). In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 30 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 3000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 60 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 6000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 60 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 3000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 30 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 6000 IU/mL IL-2.

In some embodiments, PBMCs are considered replication incompetent and acceptable for use in the TIL expansion procedures described herein if the total number of viable cells, cultured in the presence of OKT3 and IL-2, on day 7 and day 14 has not increased from the initial viable cell number put into culture on day 0 of the REP and/or day 0 of the second expansion (i.e., the start day of the second expansion). In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 30-60 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 1000-6000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 30-60 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 2000-5000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 30-60 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 2000-4000 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 30-60 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 2500-3500 IU/mL IL-2. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are cultured in the presence of 30-60 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 6000 IU/mL IL-2.

In some embodiments, the antigen-presenting feeder cells are PBMCs. In some embodiments, the antigen-presenting feeder cells are artificial antigen-presenting feeder cells. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to antigen-presenting feeder cells in the second expansion is about 1 to 10, about 1 to 25, about 1 to 50, about 1 to 100, about 1 to 125, about 1 to 150, about 1 to 175, about 1 to 200, about 1 to 225, about 1 to 250, about 1 to 275, about 1 to 300, about 1 to 325, about 1 to 350, about 1 to 375, about 1 to 400, or about 1 to 500. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to antigen-presenting feeder cells in the second expansion is between 1 to 50 and 1 to 300. In some embodiments, the ratio of TILs to antigen-presenting feeder cells in the second expansion is between 1 to 100 and 1 to 200.

In some embodiments, the second expansion procedures described herein require a ratio of about 5×10⁸ feeder cells to about 100×10⁶ TILs. In some embodiments, the second expansion procedures described herein require a ratio of about 7.5×10⁸ feeder cells to about 100×10⁶ TILs. In some embodiments, the second expansion procedures described herein require a ratio of about 5×10⁸ feeder cells to about 50×10⁶ TILs. In some embodiments, the second expansion procedures described herein require a ratio of about 7.5×10⁸ feeder cells to about 50×10⁶ TILs. In yet other embodiments, the second expansion procedures described herein require about 5×10⁸ feeder cells to about 25×10⁶ TILs. In yet other embodiments, the second expansion procedures described herein require about 7.5×10⁸ feeder cells to about 25×10⁶ TILs. In yet other embodiments, the rapid second expansion requires twice the number of feeder cells as the rapid second expansion. In yet other embodiments, when the priming first expansion described herein requires about 2.5×10⁸ feeder cells, the rapid second expansion requires about 5×10⁸ feeder cells. In yet other embodiments, when the priming first expansion described herein requires about 2.5×10⁸ feeder cells, the rapid second expansion requires about 7.5×10⁸ feeder cells. In yet other embodiments, the rapid second expansion requires two times (2.0×), 2.5×, 3.0×, 3.5× or 4.0× the number of feeder cells as the priming first expansion.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion procedures described herein require an excess of feeder cells during the rapid second expansion. In many embodiments, the feeder cells are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from standard whole blood units from allogeneic healthy blood donors. The PBMCs are obtained using standard methods such as Ficoll-Paque gradient separation. In some embodiments, artificial antigen-presenting (aAPC) cells are used in place of PBMCs. In some embodiments, the PBMCs are added to the rapid second expansion at twice the concentration of PBMCs that were added to the priming first expansion.

In general, the allogeneic PBMCs are inactivated, either via irradiation or heat treatment, and used in the TIL expansion procedures described herein, including the exemplary procedures described in the figures and examples.

In some embodiments, artificial antigen presenting cells are used in the rapid second expansion as a replacement for, or in combination with, PBMCs.

2. Cytokines and Other Additives

The rapid second expansion methods described herein generally use culture media with high doses of a cytokine, in particular IL-2, as is known in the art.

In some embodiments, using combinations of cytokines for the rapid expansion of TILs is possible, with combinations of two or more of IL-2, IL-15 and IL-21 as is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2017/0107490 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Thus, possible combinations include IL-2 and IL-15, IL-2 and IL-21, IL-15 and IL-21 and IL-2, or IL-15 and IL-21. The use of combinations of cytokines specifically favors the generation of lymphocytes, and in particular T-cells as described therein. In some embodiments, IL-2 is added at a low concentration, for example, at about 10 IU/mL, about 20 IU/mL, about 30 IU/mL, about 40 IU/mL, about 50 IU/mL, about 100 IU/mL, about 200 IU/mL, about 300 IU/mL, about 400 IU/mL, about 500 IU/mL, about 600 IU/mL, about 700 IU/mL, about 800 IU/mL, about 900 IU/mL, about 1000 IU/mL, about 1500 IU/mL, about 2000 IU/mL, about 2500 IU/mL, about 3000 IU/mL, about 3500 IU/mL, or about 4000 IU/mL. In some embodiments, IL-2 is added at about 10⁻⁴⁰⁰⁰ IU/mL, at about 100-3000 IU/mL, at about 500-2000 IU/ML, or at about 1000-1500 IU/mL. In some embodiments, IL-2 is added at about 1000 IU/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 1 ng/mL, about 2 ng/mL, about 3 ng/mL, about 4 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, or about 100 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-21 is added at about 1 ng/mL, about 2 ng/mL, about 3 ng/mL, about 4 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, about 100 ng/mL, about 150 ng/mL, about 200 ng/mL, about 250 ng/mL, or about 300 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL and IL-21 is added at about 30 ng/mL. In some embodiments, one or more of IL-2, IL-15 and IL-21 is added twice during Step B, for example, at DO and D3, DO and D4, DO and D5, DO and D6, DO and D7, DO and D8, of Step B.

In some embodiments, Step D (from in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) may also include the addition of OKT-3 antibody or muromonab to the culture media, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, Step D may also include the addition of a 4-1BB agonist to the culture media, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, Step D (from, in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) may also include the addition of an OX-40 agonist to the culture media, as described elsewhere herein. In addition, additives such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator I-alpha agonists, including proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists such as a thiazolidinedione compound, may be used in the culture media during Step D (from, in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2019/0307796 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, Step D may also include the addition of protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor (AKTi) in the culture media. In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cultured in a medium comprising an AKT inhibitor to obtain a population of CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double negative enriched TILs. In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, Honokiol, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In some embodiments, the AKT inhibitor is ipatasertib. In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cultured in a medium comprising about 0.1p M, about 0.2 μM, about 0.3 μM, about 0.4 μM, about 0.5 μM, about 0.6 μM, about 0.7 μM, about 0.8 μM, about 0.9 μM, about 1 μM, about 1.1 μM, about 1.2 μM, about 1.3 μM, about 1.4 μM, about 1.5 μM, about 1.6 μM, about 1.7 μM, about 1.8 μM, about 1.9 μM, about 2 μM, about 2.1p M, about 2.2 μM, about 2.3 μM, about 2.4 μM, about 2.5 μM, about 2.6 μM, about 2.7 μM, about 2.8 μM, about 2.9 μM, about 3 μM, about 3.5 μM, about 4 μM, about 4.5 μM, about 5 μM, about 6 μM, about 7 μM, about 8 μM, about 9 μM, about 10 μM, about 20 μM, about 30 μM, about 40 μM, about 50 μM, about 60 μM, about 70 μM, about 80μM, about 90 μM, or about 100 μM of an AKT inhibitor.

In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 2.5 ng/mL, about 5 ng/mL, about 7.5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 12.5 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, or about 20 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-21 is added at about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 45 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, or about 60 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-21 is added at about 30 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IL-15 is added at about 10 ng/mL and IL-21 is at about 30 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of a CD40 agonist, such as a CD40L or an anti-CD40 agonistic antibody at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, CD40L is added. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 agonistic antibody is added. In some embodiments, a CD40 agonist is added at about 5 ng/mL, about 10 ng/mL, about 15 ng/mL, about 20 ng/mL, about 25 ng/mL, about 30 ng/mL, about 35 ng/mL, about 40 ng/mL, about 45 ng/mL, about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, or about 60 ng/mL. In some embodiments, a CD40 agonist is added at about 30 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of a IFNγ at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, IFNγ is added. In some embodiments, IFNγ is added at about 50 ng/mL, about 55 ng/mL, about 60 ng/mL, about 65 ng/mL, about 70 ng/mL, about 75 ng/mL, about 80 ng/mL, about 85 ng/mL, about 90 ng/mL, about 95 ng/mL, about 100 ng/mL, about 105 ng/mL, about 110 ng/mL, about 115 ng/mL, about 120 ng/mL, about 125 ng/mL, about 130 ng/mL, about 135 ng/mL, about 140 ng/mL, about 145 ng/mL, about 150 ng/mL about 155 ng/mL, about 160 ng/mL, about 165 ng/mL about 170 ng/mL, about 175 ng/mL, about 180 ng/mL, about 185 ng/mL, about 190 ng/mL, about 195 ng/mL, about 200 ng/mL, about 205 ng/mL, about 210 ng/mL, about 215 ng/mL about 220 ng/mL, about 225 ng/mL, about 230 ng/mL, about 235 ng/mL, about 240 ng/mL, about 245 ng/mL, about 250 ng/mL, about 255 ng/mL, about 260 ng/mL, about 265 ng/mL, about 270 ng/mL, about 275 ng/mL, about 280 ng/mL, about 285 ng/mL, about 290 ng/mL, about 295 ng/mL, or about 300 ng/mL. In some embodiments, IFNγ is added at about 200 ng/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of an anti-PD-1 antibody at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, an anti-PD-1 antibody is added at about 5 μg/mL, about 10 μg/mL, about 15 μg/mL, about 20 μg/mL, about 25 μg/mL, about 30 μg/mL, about 35 μg/mL, about 40 μg/mL, about 45 μg/mL, about 50 μg/mL, about 55 μg/mL, or about 60 μg/mL. In some embodiments, an anti-PD-1 antibody is added at about 10 μg/mL.

In some embodiments, Step B may also include the addition of an anti-CTLA-4 antibody at DO, D1 or D2. In some embodiments, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody is added at about 5 μg/mL, about 10 μg/mL, about 15 μg/mL, about 20 μg/mL, about 25 μg/mL, about 30 μg/mL, about 35 μg/mL, about 40 μg/mL, about 45 μg/mL, about 50 μg/mL, about 55 μg/mL, or about 60 μg/mL. In some embodiments, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody is added at about 10 μg/mL.

E. STEP E: Harvest TILs

After the rapid second expansion step, cells can be harvested. In some embodiments the TILs are harvested after one, two, three, four or more expansion steps, for example as provided in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). In some embodiments the TILs are harvested after two expansion steps, for example as provided in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). In some embodiments the TILs are harvested after two expansion steps, one priming first expansion and one rapid second expansion, for example as provided in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G).

TILs can be harvested in any appropriate and sterile manner, including, for example by centrifugation. Methods for TIL harvesting are well known in the art and any such known methods can be employed with the present process. In some embodiments, TILs are harvested using an automated system.

Cell harvesters and/or cell processing systems are commercially available from a variety of sources, including, for example, Fresenius Kabi, Tomtec Life Science, Perkin Elmer, and Inotech Biosystems International, Inc. Any cell-based harvester can be employed with the present methods. In some embodiments, the cell harvester and/or cell processing system is a membrane-based cell harvester. In some embodiments, cell harvesting is via a cell processing system, such as the LOVO system (manufactured by Fresenius Kabi). The term “LOVO cell processing system” also refers to any instrument or device manufactured by any vendor that can pump a solution comprising cells through a membrane or filter such as a spinning membrane or spinning filter in a sterile and/or closed system environment, allowing for continuous flow and cell processing to remove supernatant or cell culture media without pelletization. In some embodiments, the cell harvester and/or cell processing system can perform cell separation, washing, fluid-exchange, concentration, and/or other cell processing steps in a closed, sterile system.

In some embodiments, the rapid second expansion, for example, Step D according to FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), is performed in a closed system bioreactor. In some embodiments, a closed system is employed for the TIL expansion, as described herein. In some embodiments, a bioreactor is employed. In some embodiments, a bioreactor is employed as the container. In some embodiments, the bioreactor employed is for example a G-REX-100 or a G-REX-500. In some embodiments, the bioreactor employed is a G-REX-100. In some embodiments, the bioreactor employed is a G-REX-500.

In some embodiments, Step E according to FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), is performed according to the processes described herein. In some embodiments, the closed system is accessed via syringes under sterile conditions in order to maintain the sterility and closed nature of the system. In some embodiments, a closed system as described herein is employed.

In some embodiments, TILs are harvested according to the methods described in herein. In some embodiments, TILs between days 14 and 16 are harvested using the methods as described herein. In some embodiments, TILs are harvested at 14 days using the methods as described herein. In some embodiments, TILs are harvested at 15 days using the methods as described herein. In some embodiments, TILs are harvested at 16 days using the methods as described herein.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the therapeutic TIL population or the TIL composition described in the harvesting step described herein be assessed or sorted for (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii). Methods for sorting TILs that are (i) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (ii) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or (iii) the combination of (i) and (ii) may be found in U.S. Application No. 2019/0212332, which is incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, cell sorting is performed using methods described in Zhang, X et. al., Surface Free Energy Activated High-Throughput Cell Sorting, Analytical Chemistry (2014), 86: 9350-9355, which is incorporated by reference herein. Example 15 and FIG. 41 provide an example of protocol for sorting using such methods.

F. STEP F: Final Formulation and Transfer to Infusion Container

After Steps A through E as provided in an exemplary order in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) and as outlined in detailed above and herein are complete, cells are transferred to a container for use in administration to a patient, such as an infusion bag or sterile vial. In some embodiments, once a therapeutically sufficient number of TILs are obtained using the expansion methods described above, they are transferred to a container for use in administration to a patient.

In some embodiments, TILs expanded using the methods of the present disclosure are administered to a patient as a pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is a suspension of TILs in a sterile buffer.

TILs expanded as disclosed herein may be administered by any suitable route as known in the art. In some embodiments, the TILs are administered as a single intra-arterial or intravenous infusion, which preferably lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Other suitable routes of administration include intraperitoneal, intrathecal, and intralymphatic administration.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that (a) before the priming first expansion (i) the bulk TILs, or first population of TILs, in the tumor fragments or sample is/are cultured in a cell culture medium containing IL-2 and optionally the first combination of antibiotics to produce TILs that egress from the tumor fragments or sample, (ii) at least a plurality of TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample is/are separated from the tumor fragments or sample to produce a mixture of the tumor fragments or sample, TILs remaining in the tumor fragments or sample, and any TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample and remained therewith after the separation, and (iii) optionally, the mixture of the tumor fragments or sample, TILs remaining in the tumor fragments or sample, and any TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample and remained therewith after the separation, is/are digested to produce a digest of such mixture; and (b) the priming first expansion is performed using the mixture or the digest of the mixture. In some embodiments, at least about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more of TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample are separated from the tumor fragments or sample to produce the mixture.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of culturing before the priming first expansion is performed for a period of about 1 day to about 3 days.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of culturing before the priming first expansion is performed for a period of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that (a) before the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) preselection step preceding the priming first expansion (i) the bulk TILs, or first population of TILs, in the tumor fragments or sample is/are cultured in a cell culture medium containing IL-2 to produce TILs that egress from the tumor fragments or sample, (ii) at least a plurality of TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample is/are separated from the tumor fragments or sample to produce a mixture of the tumor fragments or sample, TILs remaining in the tumor fragments or sample, and any TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample and remained therewith after the separation, and (iii) the mixture of the tumor fragments or sample, TILs remaining in the tumor fragments or sample, and any TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample and remained therewith after the separation, is/are digested to produce a digest of such mixture; and (b) the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) preselection step is performed using the digest of the mixture to produce the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs. In some embodiments, at least about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more of TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample are separated from the tumor fragments or sample to produce the mixture.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of culturing before the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) preselection step is performed for a period of about 1 day to about 3 days.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of culturing before the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) preselection step is performed for a period of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days.

V. Further Gen 2, Gen 3, and Other TIL Manufacturing Process Embodiments

A. PBMC Feeder Cell Ratios

In some embodiments, the culture media used in expansion methods described herein (see for example, FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G)) include an anti-CD3 antibody e.g. OKT-3. An anti-CD3 antibody in combination with IL-2 induces T cell activation and cell division in the TIL population. This effect can be seen with full length antibodies as well as Fab and F(ab′)2 fragments, with the former being generally preferred; see, e.g., Tsoukas et al., J. Immunol. 1985, 135, 1719, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the number of PBMC feeder layers is calculated as follows:

-   -   Volume of a T-cell (10 μm diameter): V=(4/3) 1 Lr³=523.6 μm³     -   Column of G-REX-100 (M) with a 40 μm (4 cells) height: V=(4/3)         Mr³=4×10¹² μm³     -   Number of cells required to fill column B: 4×10¹² μm³/ 523.6         μm³=7.6×108 m³+0.64=4.86×108     -   Number cells that can be optimally activated in 4D space:         4.86×10⁸/ 24=20.25×10⁶     -   Number of feeders and TIL extrapolated to G-REX-500: TIL:         100×10⁶ and Feeder: 2.5×10⁹

In this calculation, an approximation of the number of mononuclear cells required to provide an icosahedral geometry for activation of TIL in a cylinder with a 100 cm² base is used. The calculation derives the experimental result of ˜5×108 for threshold activation of T-cells which closely mirrors NCI experimental data, as described in Jin, et.al., J. Immunother. 2012, 35, 283-292. In (C), the multiplier (0.64) is the random packing density for equivalent spheres as calculated by Jaeger and Nagel, Science, 1992, 255, 1523-3. In (D), the divisor 24 is the number of equivalent spheres that could contact a similar object in 4-dimensional space or “the Newton number” as described in Musin, Russ. Math. Surv., 2003, 58, 794-795.

In some embodiments, the number of antigen-presenting feeder cells exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is approximately one-half the number of antigen-presenting feeder cells exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion. In certain embodiments, the method comprises performing the priming first expansion in a cell culture medium which comprises approximately 50% fewer antigen presenting cells as compared to the cell culture medium of the rapid second expansion.

In other embodiments, the number of antigen-presenting feeder cells (APCs) exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion is greater than the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 20:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 10:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 9:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 8:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 7:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 6:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 5:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 4:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 3:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.9:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.8:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.7:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.6:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.5:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.4:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.3:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.2:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.1:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 10:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 5:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 4:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 3:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.9:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.8:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.7:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.6:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.5:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.4:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.3:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.2:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.1:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is at or about 2:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is at or about 1.1:1, 1.2:1, 1.3:1, 1.4:1, 1.5:1, 1.6:1, 1.7:1, 1.8:1, 1.9:1, 2:1, 2.1:1, 2.2:1, 2.3:1, 2.4:1, 2.5:1, 2.6:1, 2.7:1, 2.8:1, 2.9:1, 3:1, 3.1:1, 3.2:1, 3.3:1, 3.4:1, 3.5:1, 3.6:1, 3.7:1, 3.8:1, 3.9:1, 4:1, 4.1:1, 4.2:1, 4.3:1, 4.4:1, 4.5:1, 4.6:1, 4.7:1, 4.8:1, 4.9:1, or 5:1.

In other embodiments, the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is at or about 1×10⁸, 1.1×10⁸, 1.2×10⁸, 1.3×10⁸, 1.4×10⁸, 1.5×10 ¹, 1.6×10⁸, 1.7×10⁸, 1.8×10 ⁸, 1.9×10 ⁸, 2×10⁸, 2.1×10 ⁸, 2.2×10 ⁸, 2.3×10 ⁸, 2.4×10 ⁸, 2.5×10 ⁸, 2.6×10 ⁸, 2.7×10⁸, 2.8×10 ⁸, 2.9×10⁸, 3×10⁸, 3.1×10 ⁸, 3.2×10⁸, 3.3×10 ⁸, 3.4×10⁸ or 3.5×10⁸ APCs, and the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion is at or about 3.5×10⁸, 3.6×10⁸, 3.7×10⁸, 3.8×10⁸, 3.9×10⁸, 4×10⁸, 4.1×10⁸, 4.2×10 ¹, 4.3×10¹, 4.4×10⁸, 4.5×10 ⁸, 4.6×10 ⁸, 4.7×10 ⁸, 4.8×10 ⁸, 4.9×10 ⁸, 5×10 ⁸, 5.1×10 ⁸, 5.2×10 ⁸, 5.3×10⁸, 5.4×10 ⁸, 5.5×10 ⁸, 5.6×10 ⁸, 5.7×10 ⁸, 5.8×10 ⁸, 5.9×10 ⁸, 6×10 ⁸, 6.1×10 ⁸, 6.2×10⁸, 6.3×10⁸, 6.4×10⁸, 6.5×10⁸, 6.6×10⁸, 6.7×10⁸, 6.8×10⁸, 6.9×10⁸, 7×10⁸, 7.1×10⁸, 7.2×10⁸, 7.3×10⁸, 7.4×10⁸, 7.5×10⁸, 7.6×10⁸, 7.7×10⁸, 7.8×10⁸, 7.9×10⁸, 8×10⁸, 8.1×10⁸, 8.2×10⁸, 8.3×10⁸, 8.4×10⁸, 8.5×10⁸, 8.6×10⁸, 8.7×10⁸, 8.8×10⁸, 8.9×10⁸, 9×10⁸, 9.1×10⁸, 9.2×10⁸, 9.3×10⁸, 9.4×10⁸, 9.5×10⁸, 9.6×10⁸, 9.7×10⁸, 9.8×10⁸, 9.9×10⁸ or 1×10⁹ APCs.

In other embodiments, the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from the range of at or about 1.5×10⁸ APCs to at or about 3×10⁸ APCs, and the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion is selected from the range of at or about 4×10⁸ APCs to at or about 7.5×10⁸ APCs.

In other embodiments, the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is selected from the range of at or about 2×10⁸ APCs to at or about 2.5×10⁸ APCs, and the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion is selected from the range of at or about 4.5×10⁸ APCs to at or about 5.5×10⁸ APCs.

In other embodiments, the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the priming first expansion is at or about 2.5×10⁸ APCs, and the number of APCs exogenously supplied during the rapid second expansion is at or about 5×10⁸ APCs.

In some embodiments, the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) added at day 0 of the priming first expansion is approximately one-half of the number of PBMCs added at day 7 of the priming first expansion (e.g., day 7 of the method). In certain embodiments, the method comprises adding antigen presenting cells at day 0 of the priming first expansion to the first population of TILs and adding antigen presenting cells at day 7 to the second population of TILs, wherein the number of antigen presenting cells added at day 0 is approximately 50% of the number of antigen presenting cells added at day 7 of the priming first expansion (e.g., day 7 of the method).

In other embodiments, the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion is greater than the number of PBMCs exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion.

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the priming first expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density selected from a range of at or about 1.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 4.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the priming first expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density selected from a range of at or about 1.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 3.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the priming first expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density selected from a range of at or about 2×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 3×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the priming first expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density of at or about 2×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the priming first expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density of at or about 1.0×10⁶, 1.1×10⁶, 1.2×10⁶, 1.3×10⁶, 1.4×10⁶, 1.5×10⁶, 1.6×10⁶, 1.7×10⁶, 1.8×10⁶, 1.9×10⁶, 2×10⁶, 2.1×10⁶, 2.2×10⁶, 2.3×10⁶, 2.4×10⁶, 2.5×10⁶, 2.6×10⁶, 2.7×10⁶, 2.8×10⁶, 2.9×10⁶, 3×10⁶ 3.1×10⁶, 3.2×10⁶, 3.3×10⁶, 3.4×10⁶, 3.5×10⁶, 3.6×10⁶, 3.7×10⁶ 3.8×10⁶, 3.9×10⁶ 4×10⁶ 4.1×10⁶, 4.2×10⁶, 4.3×106, 4.4×106 or 4.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the rapid second expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density selected from a range of at or about 2.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 7.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the rapid second expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density selected from a range of at or about 3.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to about 6.0×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the rapid second expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density selected from a range of at or about 4.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² to about 5.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the rapid second expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density selected from a range of at or about 4.0×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the rapid second expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density of at or about 2.5×10⁶ APCs/cm², 2.6×10⁶ APCs/cm², 2.7×10⁶ APCs/cm², 2.8×10⁶, 2.9×10⁶, 3×10⁶ 3.1×10⁶, 3.2×10⁶, 3.3×10⁶, 3.4×10 ⁶, 3.5×10⁶, 3.6×10⁶, 3.7×10⁶ 3.8×10⁶, 3.9×10⁶ 4×10⁶ 4.1×10⁶, 4.2×10⁶ 4.3×10⁶, 4.4×10 ⁶, 4.5×10⁶, 4.6×10⁶, 4.7×10⁶, 4.8×10⁶, 4.9×10⁶ 5×10⁶ 5.1×10⁶, 5.2×10⁶ 5.3×10⁶, 5.4×10 ⁶, 5.5×10⁶, 5.6×10⁶, 5.7×10⁶ 5.8×10⁶, 5.9×10⁶ 6×10⁶, 6.1×10⁶, 6.2×10⁶, 6.3×10⁶, 6.4×10 ⁶, 6.5×10⁶, 6.6×10⁶, 6.7×10⁶, 6.8×10 ⁶, 6.9×10⁶, 7×10⁶ 7.1×10⁶, 7.2×10⁶ 7.3×10⁶, 7.4×10 ⁶ or 7.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the priming first expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density of at or about 1.0×10⁶, 1.1×10⁶, 1.2×10⁶, 1.3×10⁶, 1.4×10⁶, 1.5×10⁶, 1.6×10⁶, 1.7×10⁶, 1.8×10⁶, 1.9×10⁶, 2×10⁶, 2.1×10⁶, 2.2×10⁶, 2.3×10⁶, 2.4×10⁶, 2.5×10⁶, 2.6×10⁶, 2.7×10⁶, 2.8×10⁶, 2.9×10⁶, 3×10⁶ 3.1×10⁶, 3.2×10⁶, 3.3×10⁶, 3.4×10⁶, 3.5×10⁶, 3.6×10⁶, 3.7×10⁶ 3.8×10⁶, 3.9×10⁶ 4×10⁶ 4.1×10⁶, 4.2×10⁶, 4.3×10⁶, 4.4×10⁶ or 4.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² and the APCs exogenously supplied in the rapid second expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density of at or about 2.5×10⁶ APCs/cm², 2.6×10⁶ APCs/cm², 2.7×10⁶ APCs/cm², 2.8×10⁶, 2.9×10⁶, 3×10⁶ 3.1×10⁶, 3.2×10⁶, 3.3×10⁶ 3.4×10⁶, 3.5×10⁶ 3.6×10⁶ 3.7×10⁶ 3.8×10⁶, 3.9×10⁶ 4×10⁶ 4.1×10⁶, 4.2×10 ⁶, 4.3×10⁶ 4.4×10⁶ 4.5×10⁶ 4.6×10⁶ 4.7×10⁶, 4.8×10⁶, 4.9×10⁶ 5×10⁶ 5.1×10⁶, 5.2×10 ⁶, 5.3×10⁶ 5.4×10⁶ 5.5×10⁶ 5.6×10⁶ 5.7×10⁶ 5.8×10⁶, 5.9×10⁶ 6×10⁶, 6.1×10⁶, 6.2×10 ⁶, 6.3×10⁶, 6.4×10⁶, 6.5×10⁶, 6.6×10⁶, 6.7×10⁶, 6.8×10 ⁶, 6.9×10⁶, 7×10⁶ 7.1×10⁶, 7.2×10⁶, 7.3×10⁶, 7.4×10⁶ or 7.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the priming first expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density selected from a range of at or about 1.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 4.5×10⁶ APCs/cm², and the APCs exogenously supplied in the rapid second expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density selected from a range of at or about 2.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 7.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the priming first expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density selected from a range of at or about 1.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 3.5×10⁶ APCs/cm², and the APCs exogenously supplied in the rapid second expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density selected from a range of at or about 3.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 6×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the priming first expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density selected from a range of at or about 2×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 3×10⁶ APCs/cm², and the APCs exogenously supplied in the rapid second expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density selected from a range of at or about 4×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 5.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the APCs exogenously supplied in the priming first expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density at or about 2×10⁶ APCs/cm² and the APCs exogenously supplied in the rapid second expansion are seeded in the culture flask at a density of at or about 4×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of PBMCs exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 20:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of PBMCs exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 10:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of PBMCs exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 9:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 8:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 7:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 6:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 5:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 4:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 3:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.9:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.8:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.7:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.6:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.5:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.4:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.3:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.2:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.1:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 10:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 5:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 4:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 3:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.9:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.8:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.7:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.6:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.5:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.4:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.3:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.2:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.1:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is at or about 2:1.

In other embodiments, the ratio of the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is at or about 1.1:1, 1.2:1, 1.3:1, 1.4:1, 1.5:1, 1.6:1, 1.7:1, 1.8:1, 1.9:1, 2:1, 2.1:1, 2.2:1, 2.3:1, 2.4:1, 2.5:1, 2.6:1, 2.7:1, 2.8:1, 2.9:1, 3:1, 3.1:1, 3.2:1, 3.3:1, 3.4:1, 3.5:1, 3.6:1, 3.7:1, 3.8:1, 3.9:1, 4:1, 4.1:1, 4.2:1, 4.3:1, 4.4:1, 4.5:1, 4.6:1, 4.7:1, 4.8:1, 4.9:1, or 5:1.

In other embodiments, the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is at or about 1×10⁸, 1.1×10⁸, 1.2×10⁸, 1.3×10⁸, 1.4×10⁸, 1.5×10⁸, 1.6×10⁸, 1.7×10⁸, 1.8×10⁸, 1.9×10⁸, 2×10⁸, 2.1×10⁸, 2.2×10⁸, 2.3×10⁸, 2.4×10⁸, 2.5×10⁸, 2.6×10⁸, 2.7×10⁸, 2.8×10⁸, 2.9×10⁸, 3×10⁸, 3.1×10⁸, 3.2×10⁸, 3.3×10⁸, 3.4×10⁸ or 3.5×10⁸ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), and the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion is at or about 3.5×10⁸, 3.6×10⁸, 3.7×10⁸, 3.8×10⁸, 3.9×10⁸, 4×10⁸, 4.1×10⁸, 4.2×10⁸, 4.3×10⁸, 4.4×10⁸, 4.5×10⁸, 4.6×10⁸, 4.7×10⁸, 4.8×10⁸, 4.9×10⁸, 5×10⁸, 5.1×10⁸, 5.2×10⁸, 5.3×10⁸, 5.4×10⁸, 5.5×10⁸, 5.6×10⁸, 5.7×10⁸, 5.8×10⁸, 5.9×10⁸, 6×10⁸, 6.1×10⁸, 6.2×10⁸, 6.3×10⁸, 6.4×10⁸, 6.5×10⁸, 6.6×10⁸, 6.7×10⁸, 6.8×10⁸, 6.9×10⁸, 7×10⁸, 7.1×10⁸, 7.2×10⁸, 7.3×10⁸, 7.4×10⁸, 7.5×10⁸, 7.6×10⁸, 7.7×10⁸, 7.8×10⁸, 7.9×10⁸, 8×10⁸, 8.1×10⁸, 8.2×10⁸, 8.3×10⁸, 8.4×10⁸, 8.5×10⁸, 8.6×10⁸, 8.7×10⁸, 8.8×10⁸, 8.9×10⁸, 9×10⁸, 9.1×10⁸, 9.2×10⁸, 9.3×10⁸, 9.4×10⁸, 9.5×10⁸, 9.6×10⁸, 9.7×10⁸, 9.8×10⁸, 9.9×10⁸ or 1×10⁹ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs).

In other embodiments, the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from the range of at or about 1×10⁸ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to at or about 3.5×10⁸ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), and the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion is selected from the range of at or about 3.5×10⁸ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to at or about 1×10⁹ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs).

In other embodiments, the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from the range of at or about 1.5×10⁸ APCs to at or about 3×10⁸ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), and the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion is selected from the range of at or about 4×10⁸ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to at or about 7.5×10⁸ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs).

In other embodiments, the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is selected from the range of at or about 2×10⁸ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to at or about 2.5×10⁸ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), and the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion is selected from the range of at or about 4.5×10⁸ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to at or about 5.5×10⁸ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs).

In other embodiments, the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion is at or about 2.5×10⁸ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and the number of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion is at or about 5×10⁸ APCs (including, for example, PBMCs)

In some embodiments, the number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) added at day 0 of the priming first expansion is approximately one-half of the number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) added at day 7 of the rapid second expansion. In certain embodiments, the method comprises adding antigen presenting cell layers at day 0 of the priming first expansion to the first population of TILs and adding antigen presenting cell layers at day 7 to the second population of TILs, wherein the number of antigen presenting cell layer added at day 0 is approximately 50% of the number of antigen presenting cell layers added at day 7.

In other embodiments, the number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 7 of the rapid second expansion is greater than the number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) exogenously supplied at day 0 of the priming first expansion.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 2 cell layers and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 4 cell layers.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about one cell layer and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 3 cell layers.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 1.5 cell layers to at or about 2.5 cell layers and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 3 cell layers.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about one cell layer and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 2 cell layers.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 or 3 cell layers and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 or 8 cell layers.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 1 cell layer to at or about 2 cell layers and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 3 cell layers to at or about 10 cell layers.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 2 cell layers to at or about 3 cell layers and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 4 cell layers to at or about 8 cell layers.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 2 cell layers and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 4 cell layers to at or about 8 cell layers.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 1, 2 or 3 cell layers and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with an average thickness of at or about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 cell layers.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:10.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:8.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:7.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:6.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:5.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:4.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:3.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:2.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.2 to at or about 1:8.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.3 to at or about 1:7.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.4 to at or about 1:6.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.5 to at or about 1:5.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.6 to at or about 1:4.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.7 to at or about 1:3.5.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.8 to at or about 1:3.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.9 to at or about 1:2.5.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is at or about 1:2.

In other embodiments, day 0 of the priming first expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a first average thickness equal to a first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) and day 7 of the rapid second expansion occurs in the presence of layered APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) with a second average thickness equal to a second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs), wherein the ratio of the first number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) to the second number of layers of APCs (including, for example, PBMCs) is selected from at or about 1:1.1, 1:1.2, 1:1.3, 1:1.4, 1:1.5, 1:1.6, 1:1.7, 1:1.8, 1:1.9, 1:2, 1:2.1, 1:2.2, 1:2.3, 1:2.4, 1:2.5, 1:2.6, 1:2.7, 1:2.8, 1:2.9, 1:3, 1:3.1, 1:3.2, 1:3.3, 1:3.4, 1:3.5, 1:3.6, 1:3.7, 1:3.8, 1:3.9, 1:4, 1:4.1, 1:4.2, 1:4.3, 1:4.4, 1:4.5, 1:4.6, 1:4.7, 1:4.8, 1:4.9, 1:5, 1:5.1, 1:5.2, 1:5.3, 1:5.4, 1:5.5, 1:5.6, 1:5.7, 1:5.8, 1:5.9, 1:6, 1:6.1, 1:6.2, 1:6.3, 1:6.4, 1:6.5, 1:6.6, 1:6.7, 1:6.8, 1:6.9, 1:7, 1:7.1, 1:7.2, 1:7.3, 1:7.4, 1:7.5, 1:7.6, 1:7.7, 1:7.8, 1:7.9, 1:8, 1:8.1, 1:8.2, 1:8.3, 1:8.4, 1:8.5, 1:8.6, 1:8.7, 1:8.8, 1:8.9, 1:9, 1:9.1, 1:9.2, 1:9.3, 1:9.4, 1:9.5, 1:9.6, 1:9.7, 1:9.8, 1:9.9 or 1:10.

In some embodiments, the number of APCs in the priming first expansion is selected from the range of about 1.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² to about 4.5×10⁶ APCs/cm², and the number of APCs in the rapid second expansion is selected from the range of about 2.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to about 7.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In some embodiments, the number of APCs in the priming first expansion is selected from the range of about 1.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to about 3.5×10⁶ APCs/cm², and the number of APCs in the rapid second expansion is selected from the range of about 3.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to about 6.0×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In some embodiments, the number of APCs in the priming first expansion is selected from the range of about 2.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² to about 3.0×10⁶ APCs/cm², and the number of APCs in the rapid second expansion is selected from the range of about 4.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² to about 5.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

B. Optional Cell Medium Components

1. Anti-CD3 Antibodies

In some embodiments, the culture media used in expansion methods described herein (see for example, FIGS. 1 and 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8B)) include an anti-CD3 antibody. An anti-CD3 antibody in combination with IL-2 induces T cell activation and cell division in the TIL population. This effect can be seen with full length antibodies as well as Fab and F(ab′)2 fragments, with the former being generally preferred; see, e.g., Tsoukas et al., J. Immunol. 1985, 135, 1719, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As will be appreciated by those in the art, there are a number of suitable anti-human CD3 antibodies that find use in the invention, including anti-human CD3 polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies from various mammals, including, but not limited to, murine, human, primate, rat, and canine antibodies. In some embodiments, the OKT3 anti-CD3 antibody muromonab is used (commercially available from Ortho-McNeil, Raritan, NJ or Miltenyi Biotech, Auburn, CA). See, Table 1.

As will be appreciated by those in the art, there are a number of suitable anti-human CD3 antibodies that find use in the invention, including anti-human CD3 polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies from various mammals, including, but not limited to, murine, human, primate, rat, and canine antibodies. In some embodiments, the OKT3 anti-CD3 antibody muromonab is used (commercially available from Ortho-McNeil, Raritan, NJ or Miltenyi Biotech, Auburn, CA).

2. 4-1BB (CD137) Agonists

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium of the priming first expansion and/or the rapid second expansion comprises a TNFRSF agonist. In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is a 4-1BB (CD137) agonist. The 4-1BB agonist may be any 4-1BB binding molecule known in the art. The 4-1BB binding molecule may be a monoclonal antibody or fusion protein capable of binding to human or mammalian 4-1BB. The 4-1BB agonists or 4-1BB binding molecules may comprise an immunoglobulin heavy chain of any isotype (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA, and IgY), class (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2) or subclass of immunoglobulin molecule. The 4-1BB agonist or 4-1BB binding molecule may have both a heavy and a light chain. As used herein, the term binding molecule also includes antibodies (including full length antibodies), monoclonal antibodies (including full length monoclonal antibodies), polyclonal antibodies, multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies), human, humanized or chimeric antibodies, and antibody fragments, e.g., Fab fragments, F(ab′) fragments, fragments produced by a Fab expression library, epitope-binding fragments of any of the above, and engineered forms of antibodies, e.g., scFv molecules, that bind to 4-1BB. In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is an antigen binding protein that is a fully human antibody. In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is an antigen binding protein that is a humanized antibody. In some embodiments, 4-1BB agonists for use in the presently disclosed methods and compositions include anti-4-1BB antibodies, human anti-4-1BB antibodies, mouse anti-4-1BB antibodies, mammalian anti-4-1BB antibodies, monoclonal anti-4-1BB antibodies, polyclonal anti-4-1BB antibodies, chimeric anti-4-1BB antibodies, anti-4-1BB adnectins, anti-4-1BB domain antibodies, single chain anti-4-1BB fragments, heavy chain anti-4-1BB fragments, light chain anti-4-1BB fragments, anti-4-1BB fusion proteins, and fragments, derivatives, conjugates, variants, or biosimilars thereof. Agonistic anti-4-1BB antibodies are known to induce strong immune responses. Lee, et al., PLOS One 2013, 8, e69677. In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is an agonistic, anti-4-1BB humanized or fully human monoclonal antibody (i.e., an antibody derived from a single cell line). In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is EU-101 (Eutilex Co. Ltd.), utomilumab, or urelumab, or a fragment, derivative, conjugate, variant, or biosimilar thereof. In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is utomilumab or urelumab, or a fragment, derivative, conjugate, variant, or biosimilar thereof.

In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist or 4-1BB binding molecule may also be a fusion protein. In some embodiments, a multimeric 4-1BB agonist, such as a trimeric or hexameric 4-1BB agonist (with three or six ligand binding domains), may induce superior receptor (4-1BBL) clustering and internal cellular signaling complex formation compared to an agonistic monoclonal antibody, which typically possesses two ligand binding domains. Trimeric (trivalent) or hexameric (or hexavalent) or greater fusion proteins comprising three TNFRSF binding domains and IgG1-Fc and optionally further linking two or more of these fusion proteins are described, e.g., in Gieffers, et al., Mol. Cancer Therapeutics 2013, 12, 2735-47.

Agonistic 4-1BB antibodies and fusion proteins are known to induce strong immune responses. In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is a monoclonal antibody or fusion protein that binds specifically to 4-1BB antigen in a manner sufficient to reduce toxicity. In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is an agonistic 4-1BB monoclonal antibody or fusion protein that abrogates antibody-dependent cellular toxicity (ADCC), for example NK cell cytotoxicity. In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is an agonistic 4-1BB monoclonal antibody or fusion protein that abrogates antibody-dependent cell phagocytosis (ADCP). In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is an agonistic 4-1BB monoclonal antibody or fusion protein that abrogates complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is an agonistic 4-1BB monoclonal antibody or fusion protein which abrogates Fc region functionality.

In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonists are characterized by binding to human 4-1BB (SEQ ID NO:40) with high affinity and agonistic activity. In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is a binding molecule that binds to human 4-1BB (SEQ ID NO:40). In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is a binding molecule that binds to murine 4-1BB (SEQ ID NO:41). The amino acid sequences of 4-1BB antigen to which a 4-1BB agonist or binding molecule binds are summarized in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Amino acid sequences of 4-1BB antigens. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 40 MGNSCYNIVA TLLLVLNFER TRSLQDPCSN CPAGTFCDNN RNQICSPCPP NSFSSAGGQR 60 human 4-1BB, TCDICRQCKG VFRTRKECSS TSNAECDCTP GFHCLGAGCS MCEQDCKQGQ ELTKKGCKDC 120 Tumor necrosis CFGTENDQKR GICRPWTNCS LDGKSVLVNG TKERDVVCGP SPADLSPGAS SVTPPAPARE 180 factor receptor PGHSPQIISF FLALTSTALL FLLFFLTLRF SVVKRGRKKL LYIFKQPFMR PVQTTQEEDG 240 superfamily, CSCRFPEEEE GGCEL 255 member 9 (Homo sapiens) SEQ ID NO: 41 MGNNCYNVVV IVLLLVGCEK VGAVQNSCDN CQPGTFCRKY NPVCKSCPPS TFSSIGGQPN 60 murine 4-1BB, CNICRVCAGY FRFKKFCSST HNAECECIEG FHCLGPQCTR CEKDCRPGQE LTKQGCKTCS 120 Tumor necrosis LGTFNDQNGT GVCRPWTNCS LDGRSVLKTG TTEKDVVCGP PVVSFSPSTT ISVTPEGGPG 180 factor receptor GHSLQVLTLF LALTSALLLA LIFITLLFSV LKWIRKKFPH IFKQPFKKTT GAAQEEDACS 240 superfamily, CRCPQEEEGG GGGYEL 256 member 9 (Mus musculus)

In some embodiments, the compositions, processes and methods described include a 4-1BB agonist that binds human or murine 4-1BB with a K_(D) of about 100 pM or lower, binds human or murine 4-1BB with a K_(D) of about 90 pM or lower, binds human or murine 4-1BB with a K_(D) of about 80 pM or lower, binds human or murine 4-1BB with a K_(D) of about 70 pM or lower, binds human or murine 4-1BB with a K_(D) of about 60 pM or lower, binds human or murine 4-1BB with a K_(D) of about 50 pM or lower, binds human or murine 4-TBB with a K_(D) of about 40 pM or lower, or binds human or murine 4-1BB with a K_(D) of about 30 pM or lower.

In some embodiments, the compositions, processes and methods described include a 4-1BB agonist that binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(assoc) of about 7.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(assoc) of about 7.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(assoc) of about 8×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(assoc) of about 8.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(assoc) of about 9×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(assoc) of about 9.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, or binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(assoc) of about 1×10⁶ 1/M·s or faster.

In some embodiments, the compositions, processes and methods described include a 4-1BB agonist that binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a kdissoc of about 2×10⁻⁵ ¹/s or slower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a kdissoc of about 2.1×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a kdissoc of about 2.2×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a kdissoc of about 2.3×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.4×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.5×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.6×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower or binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.7×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.8×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.9×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, or binds to human or murine 4-1BB with a k_(dissoc) of about 3×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower.

In some embodiments, the compositions, processes and methods described include a 4-1BB agonist that binds to human or murine 4-1BB with an IC₅₀ of about 10 nM or lower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with an IC₅₀ of about 9 nM or lower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with an IC₅₀ of about 8 nM or lower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with an IC₅₀ of about 7 nM or lower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with an IC₅₀ of about 6 nM or lower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with an IC₅₀ of about 5 nM or lower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with an IC₅₀ of about 4 nM or lower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with an IC₅₀ of about 3 nM or lower, binds to human or murine 4-1BB with an IC₅₀ of about 2 nM or lower, or binds to human or murine 4-1BB with an IC₅₀ of about 1 nM or lower.

In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is utomilumab, also known as PF-05082566 or MOR-7480, or a fragment, derivative, variant, or biosimilar thereof. Utomilumab is available from Pfizer, Inc. Utomilumab is an immunoglobulin G2-lambda, anti-[Homo sapiens TNFRSF9 (tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily member 9, 4-1BB, T cell antigen ILA, CD137)], Homo sapiens (fully human) monoclonal antibody. The amino acid sequences of utomilumab are set forth in Table 6. Utomilumab comprises glycosylation sites at Asn59 and Asn292; heavy chain intrachain disulfide bridges at positions 22-96 (V_(H)-V_(L)), 143-199 (CH1-CL), 256-316 (CH2) and 362-420 (CH3); light chain intrachain disulfide bridges at positions 22′-87′ (V_(H)-V_(L)) and 136′-195′ (CH1-CL); interchain heavy chain-heavy chain disulfide bridges at IgG2A isoform positions 218-218, 219-219, 222-222, and 225-225, at IgG2A/B isoform positions 218-130, 219-219, 222-222, and 225-225, and at IgG2B isoform positions 219-130 (2), 222-222, and 225-225; and interchain heavy chain-light chain disulfide bridges at IgG2A isoform positions 130-213′ (2), IgG2A/B isoform positions 218-213′ and 130-213+, and at IgG2B isoform positions 218-213′ (2). The preparation and properties of utomilumab and its variants and fragments are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,821,867; 8,337,850; and 9,468,678, and International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2012/032433 A1, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. Preclinical characteristics of utomilumab are described in Fisher, et al., Cancer Immunolog. & Immunother. 2012, 61, 1721-33. Current clinical trials of utomilumab in a variety of hematological and solid tumor indications include U.S. National Institutes of Health clinicaltrials.gov identifiers NCT02444793, NCT01307267, NCT02315066, and NCT02554812.

In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises a heavy chain given by SEQ ID NO:42 and a light chain given by SEQ ID NO:43. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy and light chains having the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:42 and SEQ ID NO:43, respectively, or antigen binding fragments, Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), variants, or conjugates thereof. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:42 and SEQ ID NO:43, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:42 and SEQ ID NO:43, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:42 and SEQ ID NO:43, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:42 and SEQ ID NO:43, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:42 and SEQ ID NO:43, respectively.

In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of utomilumab. In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:44, and the 4-1BB agonist light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:45, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:44 and SEQ ID NO:45, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:44 and SEQ ID NO:45, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:44 and SEQ ID NO:45, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:44 and SEQ ID NO:45, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:44 and SEQ ID NO:45, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises an scFv antibody comprising V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:44 and SEQ ID NO:45.

In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:47, and SEQ ID NO:48, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:49, SEQ ID NO:50, and SEQ ID NO:51, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof.

In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is a 4-1BB agonist biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to utomilumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar monoclonal antibody comprises an 4-1BB antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is utomilumab. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is a 4-1BB agonist antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the 4-1BB agonist antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is utomilumab. The 4-1BB agonist antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is utomilumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is utomilumab.

TABLE 6 Amino acid sequences for 4-1BB agonist antibodies related to utomilumab. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 42 EVQLVQSGAE VKKPGESLRI SCKGSGYSFS TYWISWVRQM PGKGLEWMGK IYPGDSYTNY 60 heavy chain for SPSFQGQVTI SADKSISTAY LQWSSLKASD TAMYYCARGY GIFDYWGQGT LVTVSSASTK 120 utomilumab GPSVFPLAPC SRSTSESTAA LGCLVKDYFP EPVTVSWNSG ALTSGVHTFP AVLQSSGLYS 180 LSSVVTVPSS NFGTQTYTCN VDHKPSNTKV DKTVERKCCV ECPPCPAPPV AGPSVFLFPP 240 KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD VSHEDPEVQF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ FNSTFRVVSV 300 LTVVHQDWLN GKEYKCKVSN KGLPAPIEKT ISKTKGQPRE PQVYTLPPSR EEMTKNQVSL 360 TCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTP PMLDSDGSFF LYSKLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC 420 SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP G 441 SEQ ID NO: 43 SYELTQPPSV SVSPGQTASI TCSGDNIGDQ YAHWYQQKPG QSPVLVIYQD KNRPSGIPER 60 light chain for FSGSNSGNTA TLTISGTQAM DEADYYCATY TGFGSLAVFG GGTKLTVLGQ PKAAPSVTLF 120 utomilumab PPSSEELQAN KATLVCLISD FYPGAVTVAW KADSSPVKAG VETTTPSKQS NNKYAASSYL 180 SLTPEQWKSH RSYSCQVTHE GSTVEKTVAP TECS 214 SEQ ID NO: 44 EVQLVQSGAE VKKPGESLRI SCKGSGYSFS TYWISWVRQM PGKGLEWMG KIYPGDSYTN 60 heavy chain variable region YSPSFQGQVT ISADKSISTA YLQWSSLKAS DTAMYYCARG YGIFDYWGQ GTLVTVSS 118 for utomilumab SEQ ID NO: 45 SYELTQPPSV SVSPGQTASI TCSGDNIGDQ YAHWYQQKPG QSPVLVIYQD KNRPSGIPER 60 light chain variable region FSGSNSGNTA TLTISGTQAM DEADYYCATY TGFGSLAVFG GGTKLTVL 108 for utomilumab SEQ ID NO: 46 STYWIS 6 heavy chain CDR1 for utomilumab SEQ ID NO: 47 KIYPGDSYTN YSPSFQG 17 heavy chain CDR2 for utomilumab SEQ ID NO: 48 RGYGIFDY 8 heavy chain CDR3 for utomilumab SEQ ID NO: 49 SGDNIGDQYA H 11 light chain CDR1 for utomilumab SEQ ID NO: 50 QDKNRPS 7 light chain CDR2 for utomilumab SEQ ID NO: 51 ATYTGFGSLA V 11 light chain CDR3 for utomilumab

In some embodiments, the 4-TBB agonist is the monoclonal antibody urelumab, also known as BMS-663513 and 20H4.9.h4a, or a fragment, derivative, variant, or biosimilar thereof. Urelumab is available from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Inc., and Creative Biolabs, Inc. Urelumab is an immunoglobulin G4-kappa, anti-[Homo sapiens TNFRSF9 (tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9, 4-T BB, T cell antigen ILA, CD137)], Homo sapiens (fully human) monoclonal antibody. The amino acid sequences of urelumab are set forth in Table 7. Urelumab comprises N-glycosylation sites at positions 298 (and 298”); heavy chain intrachain disulfide bridges at positions 22-95 (V_(H)-V_(L)), 148-204 (CHIT-CL), 262-322 (CH2) and 368-426 (CH3) (and at positions 22”-95”, 148”-204”, 262”-322”, and 368”-426”); light chain intrachain disulfide bridges at positions 23′-88′ (V_(H)-V_(L)) and 136′-196′ (CH1-CL) (and at positions 23′″-88′″ and 136′″-196′″); interchain heavy chain-heavy chain disulfide bridges at positions 227-227” and 230-230”; and interchain heavy chain-light chain disulfide bridges at 135-216′ and 135”-216′″. The preparation and properties of urelumab and its variants and fragments are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,288,638 and 8,962,804, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. The preclinical and clinical characteristics of urelumab are described in Segal, et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 2016, available at http:/dx.doi.org/10.1 158/1078-0432.CCR-16-1272. Current clinical trials of urelumab in a variety of hematological and solid tumor indications include U.S.

National Institutes of Health clinicaltrials.gov identifiers NCT01775631, NCT02110082, NCT02253992, and NCT01471210.

In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises a heavy chain given by SEQ ID NO:52 and a light chain given by SEQ ID NO:53. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy and light chains having the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:52 and SEQ ID NO:53, respectively, or antigen binding fragments, Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), variants, or conjugates thereof. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:52 and SEQ ID NO:53, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:52 and SEQ ID NO:53, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:52 and SEQ ID NO:53, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:52 and SEQ ID NO:53, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:52 and SEQ ID NO:53, respectively.

In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of urelumab. In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:54, and the 4-1BB agonist light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:55, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:54 and SEQ ID NO:55, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:54 and SEQ ID NO:55, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:54 and SEQ ID NO:55, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:54 and SEQ ID NO:55, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:54 and SEQ ID NO:55, respectively. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises an scFv antibody comprising V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:54 and SEQ ID NO:55.

In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist comprises heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:57, and SEQ ID NO:58, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:60, and SEQ ID NO:61, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof.

In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is a 4-1BB agonist biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to urelumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar monoclonal antibody comprises an 4-1BB antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is urelumab. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is a 4-1BB agonist antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the 4-1BB agonist antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is urelumab. The 4-1BB agonist antibody may be Attorney Docket No. 116983-5-110-US authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is urelumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is urelumab.

TABLE 7 Amino acid sequences for 4-1BB agonist antibodies related to urelumab. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 52 QVQLQQWGAG LLKPSETLSL TCAVYGGSFS GYYWSWIRQS PEKGLEWIGE INHGGYVTYN 60 heavy chain for PSLESRVTIS VDTSKNQFSL KLSSVTAADT AVYYCARDYG PGNYDWYFDL WGRGTLVTVS 120 urelumab SASTKGPSVF PLAPCSRSTS ESTAALGCLV KDYFPEPVTV SWNSGALTSG VHTFPAVLQS 180 SGLYSLSSVV TVPSSSLGTK TYTCNVDHKP SNTKVDKRVE SKYGPPCPPC PAPEFLGGPS 240 VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSQE DPEVQFNWYV DGVEVHNAKT KPREEQFNST 300 YRVVSVLTVL HQDWINGKEY KCKVSNKGLP SSIEKTISKA KGQPREPQVY TLPPSQEEMT 360 KNQVSLTCLV KGFYPSDIAV EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLD SDGSFFLYSR LTVDKSRWQE 420 GNVFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQK SLSLSLGK 448 SEQ ID NO: 53 EIVLTQSPAT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQSVS SYLAWYQQKP GQAPRLLIYD ASNRATGIPA 60 light chain for RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLEP EDFAVYYCQQ RSNWPPALTF CGGTKVEIKR TVAAPSVFIF 120 urelumab PPSDEQLKSG TASVVCLLNN FYPREAKVQW KVDNALQSGN SQESVTEQDS KDSTYSLSST 180 LTLSKADYEK HKVYACEVTH QGLSSPVTKS FNRGEC 216 SEQ ID NO: 54 MKHLWFFLLL VAAPRWVLSQ VQLQQWGAGL LKPSETLSLT CAVYGGSFSG YYWSWIRQSP 60 variable heavy chain for EKGLEWIGEI NHGGYVTYNP SLESRVTISV DTSKNQFSLK LSSVTAADTA VYYCARDYGP 120 urelumab SEQ ID NO: 55 MEAPAQLLFL LLLWLPDTTG EIVLTQSPAT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQSVS SYLAWYQQKP 60 variable light chain for GQAPRLLIYD ASNRATGIPA RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLEP EDFAVYYCQQ 110 urelumab SEQ ID NO: 56 GYYWS 5 heavy chain CDR1 for urelumab SEQ ID NO: 57 EINHGGYVTY NPSLES 16 heavy chain CDR2 for urelumab SEQ ID NO: 58 DYGPGNYDWY FDL 13 heavy chain CDR3 for urelumab SEQ ID NO: 59 RASQSVSSYL A 11 light chain CDR1 for urelumab SEQ ID NO: 60 DASNRAT 7 light chain CDR2 for urelumab SEQ ID NO: 61 QQRSDWPPAL T 11 light chain CDR3 for urelumab

In some embodiments, the 4-TBB agonist is selected from the group consisting of 1D38, 3Elor, 4B34 (BioLegend 309809), H4-TBB-M127 (BD Pharmingen 552532), BBK2 (Thermo Fisher MS62TPABX), 145501 (Leinco Technologies B591), the antibody produced by cell line deposited as ATCC No. HB-11248 and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,974,863, 5F4 (BioLegend 31 1503), C65-485 (BD Pharmingen 559446), antibodies disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0095244, antibodies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,288,638 (such as 20H4.9-IgG1 (BMS-663031)), antibodies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,887,673 (such as 4E9 or BMS-554271), antibodies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,214,493, antibodies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,121, antibodies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,997, antibodies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,685 (such as 4E9 or BMS-554271), antibodies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,325 (such as 1D8 or BMS-469492; 3H3 or BMS-469497; or 3E1), antibodies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,974,863 (such as 53A2); antibodies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,669 (such as 1D8, 3B8, or 3E1), antibodies described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,893, antibodies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,121, antibodies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,997, antibodies disclosed in International Patent Application Publication Nos. WO 2012/177788, WO 2015/119923, and WO 2010/042433, and fragments, derivatives, conjugates, variants, or biosimilars thereof, wherein the disclosure of each of the foregoing patents or patent application publications is incorporated by reference here.

In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is a 4-1BB agonistic fusion protein described in International Patent Application Publication Nos. WO 2008/025516 A1, WO 2009/007120 A1, WO 2010/003766 A1, WO 2010/010051 A1, and WO 2010/078966 A1; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2011/0027218 A1, US 2015/0126709 A1, US 2011/0111494 A1, US 2015/0110734 A1, and US 2015/0126710 A1; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,359,420, 9,340,599, 8,921,519, and 8,450,460, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is a 4-1BB agonistic fusion protein as depicted in Structure I-A (C-terminal Fc-antibody fragment fusion protein) or Structure I-B (N-terminal Fc-antibody fragment fusion protein), or a fragment, derivative, conjugate, variant, or biosimilar thereof (See, FIG. 18 ). In structures I-A and I-B, the cylinders refer to individual polypeptide binding domains. Structures I-A and I-B comprise three linearly-linked TNFRSF binding domains derived from e.g., 4-1BBL (4-1BB ligand, CD137 ligand (CD137L), or tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 9 (TNFSF9)) or an antibody that binds 4-1BB, which fold to form a trivalent protein, which is then linked to a second triavelent protein through IgG1-Fc (including CH3 and CH2 domains) is then used to link two of the trivalent proteins together through disulfide bonds (small elongated ovals), stabilizing the structure and providing an agonists capable of bringing together the intracellular signaling domains of the six receptors and signaling proteins to form a signaling complex. The TNFRSF binding domains denoted as cylinders may be scFv domains comprising, e.g., a V_(H) and a V_(L) chain connected by a linker that may comprise hydrophilic residues and Gly and Ser sequences for flexibility, as well as Glu and Lys for solubility. Any scFv domain design may be used, such as those described in de Marco, Microbial Cell Factories, 2011, 10, 44; Ahmad, et al., Clin. & Dev. Immunol. 2012, 980250; Monnier, et al., Antibodies, 2013, 2, 193-208; or in references incorporated elsewhere herein. Fusion protein structures of this form are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,359,420, 9,340,599, 8,921,519, and 8,450,460, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Amino acid sequences for the other polypeptide domains of structure I-A given in FIG. 18 are found in Table 8. The Fc domain preferably comprises a complete constant domain (amino acids 17-230 of SEQ ID NO:62) the complete hinge domain (amino acids 1-16 of SEQ ID NO:62) or a portion of the hinge domain (e.g., amino acids 4-16 of SEQ ID NO: 62). Preferred linkers for connecting a C-terminal Fc-antibody may be selected from the embodiments given in SEQ ID NO:63 to SEQ ID NO:72, including linkers suitable for fusion of additional polypeptides.

TABLE 8 Amino acid sequences for TNFRSF agonist fusion proteins, including 4-1BB agonist fusion proteins, with C-terminal Fc-antibody fragment fusion protein design (structure I-A). Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 62 KSCDKTHTCP PCPAPELLGG PSVFLFPPKP KDTLMISRTP EVTCVVVDVS HEDPEVKENW 60 Fc domain YVDGVEVHNA KTKPREEQYN STYRVVSVLT VLHQDWLNGK EYKCKVSNKA LPAPIEKTIS 120 KAKGQPREPQ VYTLPPSREE MTKNQVSLTC LVKGFYPSDI AVEWESNGQP ENNYKTTPPV 180 LDSDGSFFLY SKLTVDKSRW QQGNVFSCSV MHEALHNHYT QKSLSLSPGK 230 SEQ ID NO: 63 GGPGSSKSCD KTHTCPPCPA PE 22 linker SEQ ID NO: 64 GGSGSSKSCD KTHTCPPCPA PE 22 linker SEQ ID NO: 65 GGPGSSSSSS SKSCDKTHTC PPCPAPE 27 linker SEQ ID NO: 66 GGSGSSSSSS SKSCDKTHTC PPCPAPE 27 linker SEQ ID NO: 67 GGPGSSSSSS SSSKSCDKTH TCPPCPAPE 29 linker SEQ ID NO: 68 GGSGSSSSSS SSSKSCDKTH TCPPCPAPE 29 linker SEQ ID NO: 69 GGPGSSGSGS SDKTHTCPPC PAPE 24 linker SEQ ID NO: 70 GGPGSSGSGS DKTHTCPPCP APE 23 linker SEQ ID NO: 71 GGPSSSGSDK THTCPPCPAP E 21 linker SEQ ID NO: 72 GGSSSSSSSS GSDKTHTCPP CPAPE 25 linker

Amino acid sequences for the other polypeptide domains of structure I-B given in FIG. 18 are found in Table 9. If an Fc antibody fragment is fused to the N-terminus of an TNRFSF fusion protein as in structure I-B, the sequence of the Fc module is preferably that shown in SEQ ID NO:73, and the linker sequences are preferably selected from those embodiments set forth in SEQ ID NO:74 to SEQ ID NO:76.

TABLE 9 Amino acid sequences for TNFRSF agonist fusion proteins, including 4-1BB agonist fusion proteins, with N-terminal Fc-antibody fragment fusion protein design (structure I-B). Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 73 METDTLLLWV LLLWVPAGNG DKTHTCPPCP APELLGGPSV FLFPPKPKDT LMISRTPEVT 60 Fc domain CVVVDVSHED PEVKFNWYVD GVEVHNAKTK PREEQYNSTY RVVSVLTVLH QDWLNGKEYK 120 CKVSNKALPA PIEKTISKAK GQPREPQVYT LPPSREEMTK NQVSLTCLVK GFYPSDIAVE 180 WESNGQPENN YKTTPPVLDS DGSFFLYSKL TVDKSRWQQG NVFSCSVMHE ALHNHYTQKS 240 LSLSPG 246 SEQ ID NO: 74 SGSGSGSGSG S 11 linker SEQ ID NO: 75 SSSSSSGSGS GS 12 linker SEQ ID NO: 76 SSSSSSGSGS GSGSGS 16 linker

In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more 4-1BB binding domains selected from the group consisting of a variable heavy chain and variable light chain of utomilumab, a variable heavy chain and variable light chain of urelumab, a variable heavy chain and variable light chain of utomilumab, a variable heavy chain and variable light chain selected from the variable heavy chains and variable light chains described in Table 10, any combination of a variable heavy chain and variable light chain of the foregoing, and fragments, derivatives, conjugates, variants, and biosimilars thereof.

In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more 4-1BB binding domains comprising a 4-1BBL sequence. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more 4-1BB binding domains comprising a sequence according to SEQ ID NO:77. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more 4-1BB binding domains comprising a soluble 4-1BBL sequence.

In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more 4-1BB binding domains comprising a sequence according to SEQ ID NO:78.

In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more 4-1BB binding domains that is a scFv domain comprising V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:43 and SEQ ID NO:44, respectively, wherein the V_(H) and V_(L) domains are connected by a linker. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I—B comprises one or more 4-1BB binding domains that is a scFv domain comprising V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:54 and SEQ ID NO:55, respectively, wherein the V_(H) and V_(L) domains are connected by a linker. In some embodiments, a 4-1BB agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more 4-1BB binding domains that is a scFv domain comprising V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the V_(H) and V_(L) sequences given in Table 10, wherein the V_(H) and V_(L) domains are connected by a linker.

TABLE 10 Additional polypeptide domains useful as 4-1BB binding domains in fusion proteins or as scFv 4-1BB agonist antibodies. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 77 MEYASDASLD PEAPWPPAPR ARACRVLPWA LVAGLLLLLL LAAACAVFLA CPWAVSGARA 60 4-1BBL SPGSAASPRL REGPELSPDD PAGLLDLRQG MFAQLVAQNV LLIDGPLSWY SDPGLAGVSL 120 TGGLSYKEDT KELVVAKAGV YYVFFQLELR RVVAGEGSGS VSLALHLQPL RSAAGAAALA 180 LTVDLPPASS EARNSAFGFQ GRLLHLSAGQ RLGVHLHTEA RARHAWQLTQ GATVLGLFRV 240 TPEIPAGLPS PRSE 254 SEQ ID NO: 78 LRQGMFAQLV AQNVLLIDGP LSWYSDPGLA GVSLTGGLSY KEDTKELVVA KAGVYYVFFQ 60 4-1BBL soluble LELRRVVAGE GSGSVSLALH LQPLRSAAGA AALALTVDLP PASSEARNSA FGFQGRLLHL 120 domain SAGQRLGVHL HTEARARHAW QLTQGATVLG LFRVTPEIPA GLPSPRSE 168 SEQ ID NO: 79 QVQLQQPGAE LVKPGASVKL SCKASGYTFS SYWMHWVKQR PGQVLEWIGE INPGNGHTNY 60 variable heavy chain for 4B4-1- NEKFKSKATL TVDKSSSTAY MQLSSLTSED SAVYYCARSF TTARGFAYWG QGTLVTVS 118 1 version 1 SEQ ID NO: 80 DIVMTQSPAT QSVTPGDRVS LSCRASQTIS DYLHWYQQKS HESPRLLIKY ASQSISGIPS 60 variable light chain for 4B4-1- RFSGSGSGSD FTLSINSVEP EDVGVYYCQD GHSFPPTFGG GTKLEIK 107 1 version 1 SEQ ID NO: 81 QVQLQQPGAE LVKPGASVKL SCKASGYTFS SYWMHWVKQR PGQVLEWIGE INPGNGHTNY 60 variable heavy chain for 4B4-1- NEKFKSKATL TVDKSSSTAY MQLSSLTSED SAVYYCARSF TTARGFAYWG QGTLVTVSA 119 1 version 2 SEQ ID NO: 82 DIVMTQSPAT QSVTPGDRVS LSCRASQTIS DYLHWYQQKS HESPRLLIKY ASQSISGIPS 60 variable light chain for 4B4-1- RFSGSGSGSD FTLSINSVEP EDVGVYYCQD GHSFPPTFGG GTKLEIKR 108 1 version 2 SEQ ID NO: 83 MDWTWRILFL VAAATGAHSE VQLVESGGGL VQPGGSLRLS CAASGFTFSD YWMSWVRQAP 60 variable heavy chain for H39E3- GKGLEWVADI KNDGSYTNYA PSLINRFTIS RDNAKNSLYL QMNSLRAEDT AVYYCARELT 120 2 SEQ ID NO: 84 MEAPAQLLFL LLLWLPDTTG DIVMTQSPDS LAVSLGERAT INCKSSQSLL SSGNQKNYL 60 variable light chain for H39E3- WYQQKPGQPP KLLIYYASTR QSGVPDRFSG SGSGTDFTLT ISSLQAEDVA 110 2

In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is a 4-1BB agonistic single-chain fusion polypeptide comprising (i) a first soluble 4-1BB binding domain, (ii) a first peptide linker, (iii) a second soluble 4-1BB binding domain, (iv) a second peptide linker, and (v) a third soluble 4-1BB binding domain, further comprising an additional domain at the N-terminal and/or C-terminal end, and wherein the additional domain is a Fab or Fc fragment domain. In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is a 4-1BB agonistic single-chain fusion polypeptide comprising (i) a first soluble 4-1BB binding domain, (ii) a first peptide linker, (iii) a second soluble 4-1BB binding domain, (iv) a second peptide linker, and (v) a third soluble 4-1BB binding domain, further comprising an additional domain at the N-terminal and/or C-terminal end, wherein the additional domain is a Fab or Fc fragment domain, wherein each of the soluble 4-1BB domains lacks a stalk region (which contributes to trimerization and provides a certain distance to the cell membrane, but is not part of the 4-1BB binding domain) and the first and the second peptide linkers independently have a length of 3-8 amino acids.

In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is a 4-1BB agonistic single-chain fusion polypeptide comprising (i) a first soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily cytokine domain, (ii) a first peptide linker, (iii) a second soluble TNF superfamily cytokine domain, (iv) a second peptide linker, and (v) a third soluble TNF superfamily cytokine domain, wherein each of the soluble TNF superfamily cytokine domains lacks a stalk region and the first and the second peptide linkers independently have a length of 3-8 amino acids, and wherein each TNF superfamily cytokine domain is a 4-1BB binding domain.

In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is a 4-1BB agonistic scFv antibody comprising any of the foregoing V_(H) domains linked to any of the foregoing V_(L) domains.

In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is BPS Bioscience 4-1BB agonist antibody catalog no. 79097-2, commercially available from BPS Bioscience, San Diego, CA, USA. In some embodiments, the 4-1BB agonist is Creative Biolabs 4-1BB agonist antibody catalog no. MOM-18179, commercially available from Creative Biolabs, Shirley, NY, USA.

3. OX40 (CD134) Agonists

In some embodiments, the TNFRSF agonist is an OX40 (CD134) agonist. The OX40 agonist may be any OX40 binding molecule known in the art. The OX40 binding molecule may be a monoclonal antibody or fusion protein capable of binding to human or mammalian OX40. The OX40 agonists or OX40 binding molecules may comprise an immunoglobulin heavy chain of any isotype (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA, and IgY), class (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2) or subclass of immunoglobulin molecule. The OX40 agonist or OX40 binding molecule may have both a heavy and a light chain. As used herein, the term binding molecule also includes antibodies (including full length antibodies), monoclonal antibodies (including full length monoclonal antibodies), polyclonal antibodies, multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies), human, humanized or chimeric antibodies, and antibody fragments, e.g., Fab fragments, F(ab′) fragments, fragments produced by a Fab expression library, epitope-binding fragments of any of the above, and engineered forms of antibodies, e.g., scFv molecules, that bind to OX40. In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is an antigen binding protein that is a fully human antibody. In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is an antigen binding protein that is a humanized antibody. In some embodiments, OX40 agonists for use in the presently disclosed methods and compositions include anti-OX40 antibodies, human anti-OX40 antibodies, mouse anti-OX40 antibodies, mammalian anti-OX40 antibodies, monoclonal anti-OX40 antibodies, polyclonal anti-OX40 antibodies, chimeric anti-OX40 antibodies, anti-OX40 adnectins, anti-OX40 domain antibodies, single chain anti-OX40 fragments, heavy chain anti-OX40 fragments, light chain anti-OX40 fragments, anti-OX40 fusion proteins, and fragments, derivatives, conjugates, variants, or biosimilars thereof. In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is an agonistic, anti-OX40 humanized or fully human monoclonal antibody (i.e., an antibody derived from a single cell line).

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist or OX40 binding molecule may also be a fusion protein. OX40 fusion proteins comprising an Fc domain fused to OX40L are described, for example, in Sadun, et al., J Immunother. 2009, 182, 1481-89. In some embodiments, a multimeric OX40 agonist, such as a trimeric or hexameric OX40 agonist (with three or six ligand binding domains), may induce superior receptor (OX40L) clustering and internal cellular signaling complex formation compared to an agonistic monoclonal antibody, which typically possesses two ligand binding domains. Trimeric (trivalent) or hexameric (or hexavalent) or greater fusion proteins comprising three TNFRSF binding domains and IgG1-Fc and optionally further linking two or more of these fusion proteins are described, e.g., in Gieffers, et al., Mol. Cancer Therapeutics 2013, 12, 2735-47.

Agonistic OX40 antibodies and fusion proteins are known to induce strong immune responses. Curti, et al., Cancer Res. 2013, 73, 7189-98. In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is a monoclonal antibody or fusion protein that binds specifically to OX40 antigen in a manner sufficient to reduce toxicity. In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is an agonistic OX40 monoclonal antibody or fusion protein that abrogates antibody-dependent cellular toxicity (ADCC), for example NK cell cytotoxicity. In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is an agonistic OX40 monoclonal antibody or fusion protein that abrogates antibody-dependent cell phagocytosis (ADCP). In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is an agonistic OX40 monoclonal antibody or fusion protein that abrogates complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is an agonistic OX40 monoclonal antibody or fusion protein which abrogates Fc region functionality.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonists are characterized by binding to human OX40 (SEQ ID NO:85) with high affinity and agonistic activity. In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is a binding molecule that binds to human OX40 (SEQ ID NO:85). In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is a binding molecule that binds to murine OX40 (SEQ ID NO:86). The amino acid sequences of OX40 antigen to which an OX40 agonist or binding molecule binds are summarized in Table 11.

TABLE 11 Amino acid sequences of OX40 antigens. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 85 MCVGARRIGR GPCAALLLLG LGLSTVTGLH CVGDTYPSND RCCHECRPGN GMVSRCSRSQ 60 human OX40 NTVCRPCGPG FYNDVVSSKP CKPCTWCNLR SGSERKQLCT ATQDTVCRCR AGTQPLDSYK 120 (Homo sapiens) PGVDCAPCPP GHFSPGDNQA CKPWTNCTLA GKHTLQPASN SSDAICEDRD PPATQPQETQ 180 GPPARPITVQ PTEAWPRTSQ GPSTRPVEVP GGRAVAAILG LGLVLGLLGP LAILLALYLL 240 RRDQRLPPDA HKPPGGGSFR TPIQEEQADA HSTLAKI 277 SEQ ID NO: 86 MYVWVQQPTA LLLLGLTLGV TARRLNCVKH TYPSGHKCCR ECQPGHGMVS RCDHTRDTLC 60 murine OX40 HPCETGFYNE AVNYDTCKQC TQCNHRSGSE LKQNCTPTQD TVCRCRPGTQ PRQDSGYKLG 120 (Mus musculus) VDCVPCPPGH FSPGNNQACK PWTNCTLSGK QTRHPASDSL DAVCEDRSLL ATLLWETQRP 180 TFRPTTVQST TVWPRTSELP SPPTLVTPEG PAFAVLLGLG LGLLAPLTVL LALYLLRKAW 240 RLPNTPKPCW GNSFRTPIQE EHTDAHFTLA KI 272

In some embodiments, the compositions, processes and methods described include a OX40 agonist that binds human or murine OX40 with a K_(D) of about 100 pM or lower, binds human or murine OX40 with a K_(D) of about 90 pM or lower, binds human or murine OX40 with a K_(D) of about 80 pM or lower, binds human or murine OX40 with a K_(D) of about 70 pM or lower, binds human or murine OX40 with a K_(D) of about 60 pM or lower, binds human or murine OX40 with a K_(D) of about 50 pM or lower, binds human or murine OX40 with a K_(D) of about 40 pM or lower, or binds human or murine OX40 with a K_(D) of about 30 pM or lower.

In some embodiments, the compositions, processes and methods described include a OX40 agonist that binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(assoc) of about 7.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(assoc) of about 7.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(assoc) of about 8×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(assoc) of about 8.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(assoc) of about 9×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(assoc) of about 9.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, or binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(assoc) of about 1×10⁶ 1/M·s or faster.

In some embodiments, the compositions, processes and methods described include a OX40 agonist that binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2×10⁻⁵ ¹/s or slower, binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.1×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.2×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.3×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.4×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.5×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.6×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower or binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.7×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.8×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.9×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, or binds to human or murine OX40 with a k_(dissoc) of about 3×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower.

In some embodiments, the compositions, processes and methods described include OX40 agonist that binds to human or murine OX40 with an IC₅₀ of about 10 nM or lower, binds to human or murine OX40 with an IC₅₀ of about 9 nM or lower, binds to human or murine OX40 with an IC₅₀ of about 8 nM or lower, binds to human or murine OX40 with an IC₅₀ of about 7 nM or lower, binds to human or murine OX40 with an IC₅₀ of about 6 nM or lower, binds to human or murine OX40 with an IC₅₀ of about 5 nM or lower, binds to human or murine OX40 with an IC₅₀ of about 4 nM or lower, binds to human or murine OX40 with an IC₅₀ of about 3 nM or lower, binds to human or murine OX40 with an IC₅₀ of about 2 nM or lower, or binds to human or murine OX40 with an IC₅₀ of about 1 nM or lower.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is tavolixizumab, also known as MED10562 or MEDI-0562. Tavolixizumab is available from the MedImmune subsidiary of AstraZeneca, Inc. Tavolixizumab is immunoglobulin G1-kappa, anti-[Homo sapiens TNFRSF4 (tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily member 4, OX40, CD134)], humanized and chimeric monoclonal antibody. The amino acid sequences of tavolixizumab are set forth in Table 12. Tavolixizumab comprises N-glycosylation sites at positions 301 and 301”, with fucosylated complex bi-antennary CHO-type glycans; heavy chain intrachain disulfide bridges at positions 22-95 (V_(H)-V_(L)), 148-204 (CH1-CL), 265-325 (CH2) and 371-429 (CH3) (and at positions 22”-95”, 148”-204”, 265”-325”, and 371”-429”); light chain intrachain disulfide bridges at positions 23′-88′ (V_(H)-V_(L)) and 134′-194′ (CH1-CL) (and at positions 23′″-88′″ and 134′″-194′″); interchain heavy chain-heavy chain disulfide bridges at positions 230-230” and 233-233”; and interchain heavy chain-light chain disulfide bridges at 224-214′ and 224”-214′″. Current clinical trials of tavolixizumab in a variety of solid tumor indications include U.S. National Institutes of Health clinicaltrials.gov identifiers NCT02318394 and NCT02705482.

In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises a heavy chain given by SEQ ID NO:87 and a light chain given by SEQ ID NO:88. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains having the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:87 and SEQ ID NO:88, respectively, or antigen binding fragments, Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), variants, or conjugates thereof. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:87 and SEQ ID NO:88, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:87 and SEQ ID NO:88, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:87 and SEQ ID NO:88, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:87 and SEQ ID NO:88, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:87 and SEQ ID NO:88, respectively.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of tavolixizumab. In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:89, and the OX40 agonist light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:90, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:89 and SEQ ID NO:90, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:89 and SEQ ID NO:90, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:89 and SEQ ID NO:90, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:89 and SEQ ID NO:90, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:89 and SEQ ID NO:90, respectively. In some embodiments, an OX40 agonist comprises an scFv antibody comprising V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:89 and SEQ ID NO:90.

In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:92, and SEQ ID NO:93, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:95, and SEQ ID NO:96, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is a OX40 agonist biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to tavolixizumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar monoclonal antibody comprises an OX40 antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is tavolixizumab. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is a OX40 agonist antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the OX40 agonist antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is tavolixizumab. Attorney Docket No. 116983-5-110-US The 0×40 agonist antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is tavolixizumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is tavolixizumab.

TABLE 12 Amino acid sequences for OX40 agonist antibodies related to tavolixizumab. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 87 QVQLQESGPG LVKPSQTLSL TCAVYGGSFS SGYWNWIRKH PGKGLEYIGY ISYNGITYHN 60 heavy chain for PSLKSRITIN RDTSKNQYSL QLNSVTPEDT AVYYCARYKY DYDGGHAMDY WGQGTLVTVS 120 tavolixizumab SASTKGPSVF PLAPSSKSTS GGTAALGCLV KDYFPEPVTV SWNSGALTSG VHTFPAVLQS 180 SGLYSLSSVV TVPSSSLGTQ TYICNVNHKP SNTKVDKRVE PKSCDKTHTC PPCPAPELLG 240 GPSVFLFPPK PKDTLMISRT PEVTCVVVDV SHEDPEVKFN WYVDGVEVHN AKTKPREEQY 300 NSTYRVVSVL TVLHQDWING KEYKCKVSNK ALPAPIEKTI SKAKGQPREP QVYTLPPSRE 360 EMTKNQVSLT CLVKGFYPSD IAVEWESNGQ PENNYKTTPP VLDSDGSFFL YSKLTVDKSR 420 WQQGNVFSCS VMHEALHNHY TQKSLSLSPG K 451 SEQ ID NO: 88 DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCRASQDIS NYLNWYQQKP GKAPKLLIYY TSKLHSGVPS 60 light chain for RFSGSGSGTD YTLTISSLQP EDFATYYCQQ GSALPWTFGQ GTKVEIKRTV AAPSVFIFPP 120 tavolixizumab SDEQLKSGTA SVVCLLNNFY PREAKVQWKV DNALQSGNSQ ESVTEQDSKD STYSLSSTLT 180 LSKADYEKHK VYACEVTHQG LSSPVTKSEN RGEC 214 SEQ ID NO: 89 QVQLQESGPG LVKPSQTLSL TCAVYGGSFS SGYWNWIRKH PGKGLEYIGY ISYNGITYHN 60 heavy chain variable region for PSLKSRITIN RDTSKNQYSL QLNSVTPEDT AVYYCARYKY DYDGGHAMDY WGQGTLVT 118 tavolixizumab SEQ ID NO: 90 DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCRASQDIS NYLNWYQQKP GKAPKLLIYY TSKLHSGVPS 60 light chain RFSGSGSGTD YTLTISSLQP EDFATYYCQQ GSALPWTFGQ GTKVEIKR 108 variable region for tavolixizumab SEQ ID NO: 91 GSFSSGYWN 9 heavy chain CDR1 for tavolixizumab SEQ ID NO: 92 YIGYISYNGI TYH 13 heavy chain CDR2 for tavolixizumab SEQ ID NO: 93 RYKYDYDGGH AMDY 14 heavy chain CDR3 for tavolixizumab SEQ ID NO: 94 QDISNYLN 8 light chain CDR1 for tavolixizumab SEQ ID NO: 95 LLIYYTSKLH S 11 light chain CDR2 for tavolixizumab SEQ ID NO: 96 QQGSALPW 8 light chain CDR3 for tavolixizumab

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is 11D4, which is a fully human antibody available from Pfizer, Inc. The preparation and properties of 11D4 are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,960,515; 8,236,930; and 9,028,824, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. The amino acid sequences of 11D4 are set forth in Table 13.

In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises a heavy chain given by SEQ ID NO:97 and a light chain given by SEQ ID NO:98. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains having the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:97 and SEQ ID NO:98, respectively, or antigen binding fragments, Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), variants, or conjugates thereof. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:97 and SEQ ID NO:98, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:97 and SEQ ID NO:98, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:97 and SEQ ID NO:98, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:97 and SEQ ID NO:98, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:97 and SEQ ID NO:98, respectively.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of 11D4. In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:99, and the OX40 agonist light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:100, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:99 and SEQ ID NO:100, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:99 and SEQ ID NO:100, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:99 and SEQ ID NO:100, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:99 and SEQ ID NO:100, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:99 and SEQ ID NO:100, respectively.

In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:101, SEQ ID NO:102, and SEQ ID NO:103, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:104, SEQ ID NO:10⁵, and SEQ ID NO:10⁶, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is a OX40 agonist biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to 11D4. In some embodiments, the biosimilar monoclonal antibody comprises an OX40 antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is 11D4. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is a OX40 agonist antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the OX40 agonist antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is 11D4. The OX40 agonist antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is 11D4. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is 11D4.

TABLE 13 Amino acid sequences for OX40 agonist antibodies related to 11D4. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 97 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS SYSMNWVRQA PGKGLEWVSY ISSSSSTIDY 60 heavy chain for ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRDED TAVYYCARES GWYLFDYWGQ GTLVTVSSAS 120 11D4 TKGPSVFPLA PCSRSTSEST AALGCLVKDY FPEPVTVSWN SGALTSGVHT FPAVLQSSGL 180 YSLSSVVTVP SSNFGTQTYT CNVDHKPSNT KVDKTVERKC CVECPPCPAP PVAGPSVFLF 240 PPKPKDTLMI SRTPEVTCVV VDVSHEDPEV QFNWYVDGVE VHNAKTKPRE EQFNSTFRVV 300 SVLTVVHQDW LNGKEYKCKV SNKGLPAPIE KTISKTKGQP REPQVYTLPP SREEMTKNQV 360 SLTCLVKGFY PSDIAVEWES NGQPENNYKT TPPMLDSDGS FFLYSKLTVD KSRWQQGNVF 420 SCSVMHEALH NHYTQKSLSL SPGK 444 SEQ ID NO: 98 DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCRASQGIS SWLAWYQQKP EKAPKSLIYA ASSLQSGVPS 60 light chain for RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLQP EDFATYYCQQ YNSYPPTFGG GTKVEIKRTV AAPSVFIFPP 120 11D4 SDEQLKSGTA SVVCLLNNFY PREAKVQWKV DNALQSGNSQ ESVTEQDSKD STYSLSSTLT 180 LSKADYEKHK VYACEVTHQG LSSPVTKSEN RGEC 214 SEQ ID NO: 99 EVOLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS SYSMNWVRQA PGKGLEWVSY ISSSSSTIDY 60 heavy chain ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRDED TAVYYCARES GWYLFDYWGQ GTLVTVSS 118 variable region for 11D4 SEQ ID NO: 100 DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCRASQGIS SWLAWYQQKP EKAPKSLIYA ASSLQSGVPS 60 light chain RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLQP EDFATYYCQQ YNSYPPTFGG GTKVEIK 107 variable region for 11D4 SEQ ID NO: 101 SYSMN 5 heavy chain CDR1 for 11D4 SEQ ID NO: 102 YISSSSSTID YADSVKG 17 heavy chain CDR2 for 11D4 SEQ ID NO: 103 ESGWYLFDY 9 heavy chain CDR3 for 11D4 SEQ ID NO: 104 RASQGISSWL A 11 light chain CDR1 for 11D4 SEQ ID NO: 105 AASSLQS 7 light chain CDR2 for 11D4 SEQ ID NO: 106 QQYNSYPPT 9 light chain CDR3 for 11D4

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is 18D8, which is a fully human antibody available from Pfizer, Inc. The preparation and properties of 18D8 are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,960,515; 8,236,930; and 9,028,824, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. The amino acid sequences of 18D8 are set forth in Table 14.

In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises a heavy chain given by SEQ ID NO:10⁷ and a light chain given by SEQ ID NO:10⁸. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains having the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:10⁷ and SEQ ID NO:10⁸, respectively, or antigen binding fragments, Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), variants, or conjugates thereof. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:10⁷ and SEQ ID NO:10⁸, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:10⁷ and SEQ ID NO:10⁸, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:10⁷ and SEQ ID NO:10⁸, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:10⁷ and SEQ ID NO:10⁸, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:10⁷ and SEQ ID NO:10⁸, respectively.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of 18D8. In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:10⁹, and the OX40 agonist light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:110, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:10⁹ and SEQ ID NO:110, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:10⁹ and SEQ ID NO:110, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:10⁹ and SEQ ID NO:110, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:10⁹ and SEQ ID NO:110, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:10⁹ and SEQ ID NO:110, respectively.

In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:111, SEQ ID NO:112, and SEQ ID NO:113, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:114, SEQ ID NO:115, and SEQ ID NO:116, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is a OX40 agonist biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to 18D8. In some embodiments, the biosimilar monoclonal antibody comprises an OX40 antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is 18D8. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is a OX40 agonist antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the OX40 agonist antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is 18D8. The OX40 agonist antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is 18D8. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is 18D8.

TABLE 14 Amino acid sequences for OX40 agonist antibodies related to 18D8. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 107 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGRSLRL SCAASGFTFD DYAMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVSG ISWNSGSIGY 60 heavy chain for ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRAED TALYYCAKDQ STADYYFYYG MDVWGQGTTV 120 18D8 TVSSASTKGP SVFPLAPCSR STSESTAALG CLVKDYFPEP VTVSWNSGAL TSGVHTFPAV 180 LQSSGLYSLS SVVTVPSSNF GTQTYTCNVD HKPSNTKVDK TVERKCCVEC PPCPAPPVAG 240 PSVFLFPPKP KDTLMISRTP EVTCVVVDVS HEDPEVQFNW YVDGVEVHNA KTKPREEQFN 300 STFRVVSVLT VVHQDWLNGK EYKCKVSNKG LPAPIEKTIS KTKGQPREPQ VYTLPPSREE 360 MTKNQVSLTC LVKGFYPSDI AVEWESNGQP ENNYKTTPPM LDSDGSFFLY SKLTVDKSRW 420 QQGNVFSCSV MHEALHNHYT QKSLSLSPGK 450 SEQ ID NO: 108 EIVVTQSPAT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQSVS SYLAWYQQKP GQAPRLLIYD ASNRATGIPA 60 light chain for RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLEP EDFAVYYCQQ RSNWPTFGQG TKVEIKRTVA APSVFIFPPS 120 18D8 DEQLKSGTAS VVCLLNNFYP REAKVQWKVD NALQSGNSQE SVTEQDSKDS TYSLSSTLTL 180 SKADYEKHKV YACEVTHQGL SSPVTKSENR GEC 213 SEQ ID NO: 109 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGRSLRL SCAASGFTFD DYAMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVSG ISWNSGSIGY 60 heavy chain ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRAED TALYYCAKDQ STADYYFYYG MDVWGQGTTV 120 for 18D8 TVSS 124 variable region for 18D8 SEQ ID NO: 110 EIVVTQSPAT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQSVS SYLAWYQQKP GQAPRLLIYD ASNRATGIPA 60 light chain RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLEP EDFAVYYCQQ RSNWPTFGQG TKVEIK 106 variable region for 18D8 SEQ ID NO: 111 DYAMH 5 heavy chain CDR1 for 18D8 17 SEQ ID NO: 112 GISWNSGSIG YADSVKG heavy chain CDR2 for 18D8 SEQ ID NO: 113 DQSTADYYFY YGMDV 15 heavy chain CDR3 for 18D8 SEQ ID NO: 114 RASQSVSSYL A 11 light chain CDR1 for 18D8 SEQ ID NO: 115 DASNRAT 7 light chain CDR2 for 18D8 SEQ ID NO: 116 QQRSNWPT 8 light chain CDR3 for 18D8

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is Hu119-122, which is a humanized antibody available from GlaxoSmithKline plc. The preparation and properties of Hu119-122 are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,006,399 and 9,163,085, and in International Patent Publication No. WO 2012/027328, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. The amino acid sequences of Hu119-122 are set forth in Table 15.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of Hu119-122. In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:117, and the OX40 agonist light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:118, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:117 and SEQ ID NO:118, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:117 and SEQ ID NO:118, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:117 and SEQ ID NO:118, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:117 and SEQ ID NO:118, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:117 and SEQ ID NO:118, respectively.

In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:119, SEQ ID NO:120, and SEQ ID NO:121, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:122, SEQ ID NO:123, and SEQ ID NO:124, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is a OX40 agonist biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to Hu119-122. In some embodiments, the biosimilar monoclonal antibody comprises an OX40 antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is Hu119-122. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is a OX40 agonist antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the OX40 agonist antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is Hu119-122. The OX40 agonist antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is Hu119-122. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is Hu119-122.

TABLE 15 Amino acid sequences for OX40 agonist antibodies related to Hul 19-122. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 117 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASEYEFP SHDMSWVRQA PGKGLELVAA INSDGGSTYY 60 heavy chain PDTMERRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCARHY DDYYAWFAYW GQGTMVTVSS 120 variable region for Hu119-122 SEQ ID NO: 118 EIVLTQSPAT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASKSVS TSGYSYMHWY QQKPGQAPRL LIYLASNLES 60 light chain GVPARFSGSG SGTDFTLTIS SLEPEDFAVY YCQHSRELPL TFGGGTKVEI K 111 variable region for Hu119-122 SEQ ID NO: 119 SHDMS 5 heavy chain CDR1 for Hu119-122 SEQ ID NO: 120 AINSDGGSTY YPDTMER 17 heavy chain CDR2 for Hu119-122 SEQ ID NO: 121 HYDDYYAWFA Y 11 heavy chain CDR3 for Hu119-122 SEQ ID NO: 122 RASKSVSTSG YSYMH 15 light chain CDR1 for Hu119-122 SEQ ID NO: 123 LASNLES 7 light chain CDR2 for Hu119-122 SEQ ID NO: 124 QHSRELPLT 9 light chain CDR3 for Hu119-122

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is Hu10⁶-222, which is a humanized antibody available from GlaxoSmithKline plc. The preparation and properties of Hu10⁶-222 are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,006,399 and 9,163,085, and in International Patent Publication No. WO 2012/027328, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. The amino acid sequences of Hu10⁶-222 are set forth in Table 16.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of Hu10⁶-222. In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:125, and the OX40 agonist light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:126, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:125 and SEQ ID NO:126, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:125 and SEQ ID NO:126, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:125 and SEQ ID NO:126, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:125 and SEQ ID NO:126, respectively. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:125 and SEQ ID NO:126, respectively.

In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist comprises heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:127, SEQ ID NO:128, and SEQ ID NO:129, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:130, SEQ ID NO:131, and SEQ ID NO:132, respectively, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is a OX40 agonist biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to Hu10⁶-222. In some embodiments, the biosimilar monoclonal antibody comprises an OX40 antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is Hu10⁶-222. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is a OX40 agonist antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the OX40 agonist antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is Hu10⁶-222. The OX40 agonist antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is Hu10⁶-222. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is Hu10⁶-222.

TABLE 16 Amino acid sequences for OX40 agonist antibodies related to Hul 06-222. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 125 QVQLVQSGSE LKKPGASVKV SCKASGYTFT DYSMHWVRQA PGQGLKWMGW INTETGEPTY 60 heavy chain ADDFKGRFVF SLDTSVSTAY LQISSLKAED TAVYYCANPY YDYVSYYAMD YWGQGTTVTV 120 variable region SS 122 for Hu106-222 SEQ ID NO: 126 DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCKASQDVS TAVAWYQQKP GKAPKLLIYS ASYLYTGVPS 60 light chain RFSGSGSGTD FTFTISSLQP EDIATYYCQQ HYSTPRTFGQ GTKLEIK 107 variable region for Hu106-222 SEQ ID NO: 127 DYSMH 5 heavy chain CDR1 for Hu106-222 SEQ ID NO: 128 WINTETGEPT YADDFKG 17 heavy chain CDR2 for Hu106-222 SEQ ID NO: 129 PYYDYVSYYA MDY 13 heavy chain CDR3 for Hu106-222 SEQ ID NO: 130 KASQDVSTAV A 11 light chain CDR1 for Hu106-222 SEQ ID NO: 131 SASYLYT 7 light chain CDR2 for Hu106-222 SEQ ID NO: 132 QQHYSTPRT 9 light chain CDR3 for Hu106-222

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist antibody is MED16469 (also referred to as 9B12). MED16469 is a murine monoclonal antibody. Weinberg, et al., J Immunother. 2006, 29, 575-585. In some embodiments the OX40 agonist is an antibody produced by the 9B12 hybridoma, deposited with Biovest Inc. (Malvern, MA, USA), as described in Weinberg, et al., J. Immunother. 2006, 29, 575-585, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the antibody comprises the CDR sequences of MED16469. In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region sequence and/or a light chain variable region sequence of MED16469.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is L10⁶ BD (Pharmingen Product #340420). In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist comprises the CDRs of antibody L10⁶ (BD Pharmingen Product #340420). In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist comprises a heavy chain variable region sequence and/or a light chain variable region sequence of antibody L10⁶ (BD Pharmingen Product #340420). In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is ACT35 (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Catalog #20073). In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist comprises the CDRs of antibody ACT35 (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Catalog #20073). In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist comprises a heavy chain variable region sequence and/or a light chain variable region sequence of antibody ACT35 (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Catalog #20073). In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is the murine monoclonal antibody anti-mCD134/mOX40 (clone OX86), commercially available from InVivoMAb, BioXcell Inc, West Lebanon, NH.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is selected from the OX40 agonists described in International Patent Application Publication Nos. WO 95/12673, WO 95/21925, WO 2006/121810, WO 2012/027328, WO 2013/028231, WO 2013/038191, and WO 2014/148895; European Patent Application EP 0672141; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2010/136030, US 2014/377284, US 2015/190506, and US 2015/132288 (including clones 20E5 and 12H3); and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,504,101, 7,550,140, 7,622,444, 7,696,175, 7,960,515, 7,961,515, 8,133,983, 9,006,399, and 9,163,085, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is an OX40 agonistic fusion protein as depicted in Structure I-A (C-terminal Fc-antibody fragment fusion protein) or Structure I-B (N-terminal Fc-antibody fragment fusion protein), or a fragment, derivative, conjugate, variant, or biosimilar thereof. The properties of structures I-A and I-B are described above and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,359,420, 9,340,599, 8,921,519, and 8,450,460, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Amino acid sequences for the polypeptide domains of structure I-A given in FIG. 18 are found in Table 9. The Fc domain preferably comprises a complete constant domain (amino acids 17-230 of SEQ ID NO:62) the complete hinge domain (amino acids 1-16 of SEQ ID NO:62) or a portion of the hinge domain (e.g., amino acids 4-16 of SEQ ID NO:62). Preferred linkers for connecting a C-terminal Fc-antibody may be selected from the embodiments given in SEQ ID NO:63 to SEQ ID NO:72, including linkers suitable for fusion of additional polypeptides. Likewise, amino acid sequences for the polypeptide domains of structure I-B given in FIG. 18 are found in Table 10. If an Fc antibody fragment is fused to the N-terminus of an TNRFSF fusion protein as in structure I-B, the sequence of the Fc module is preferably that shown in SEQ ID NO:73, and the linker sequences are preferably selected from those embodiments set forth in SEQ ID NO:74 to SEQ ID NO:76.

In some embodiments, an OX40 agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more OX40 binding domains selected from the group consisting of a variable heavy chain and variable light chain of tavolixizumab, a variable heavy chain and variable light chain of 11D4, a variable heavy chain and variable light chain of 18D8, a variable heavy chain and variable light chain of Hu119-122, a variable heavy chain and variable light chain of Hu10⁶-222, a variable heavy chain and variable light chain selected from the variable heavy chains and variable light chains described in Table 17, any combination of a variable heavy chain and variable light chain of the foregoing, and fragments, derivatives, conjugates, variants, and biosimilars thereof.

In some embodiments, an OX40 agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more OX40 binding domains comprising an OX40L sequence. In some embodiments, an OX40 agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more OX40 binding domains comprising a sequence according to SEQ ID NO:133. In some embodiments, an OX40 agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more OX40 binding domains comprising a soluble OX40L sequence. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more OX40 binding domains comprising a sequence according to SEQ ID NO:134. In some embodiments, a OX40 agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more OX40 binding domains comprising a sequence according to SEQ ID NO:135.

In some embodiments, an OX40 agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more OX40 binding domains that is a scFv domain comprising V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:89 and SEQ ID NO:90, respectively, wherein the V_(H) and V_(L) domains are connected by a linker. In some embodiments, an OX40 agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more OX40 binding domains that is a scFv domain comprising V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:99 and SEQ ID NO:100, respectively, wherein the V_(H) and V_(L) domains are connected by a linker. In some embodiments, an OX40 agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more OX40 binding domains that is a scFv domain comprising V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:10⁹ and SEQ ID NO:110, respectively, wherein the V_(H) and V_(L) domains are connected by a linker. In some embodiments, an OX40 agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more OX40 binding domains that is a scFv domain comprising V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:127 and SEQ ID NO:128, respectively, wherein the V_(H) and V_(L) domains are connected by a linker. In some embodiments, an OX40 agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more OX40 binding domains that is a scFv domain comprising V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:125 and SEQ ID NO:126, respectively, wherein the V_(H) and V_(L) domains are connected by a linker. In some embodiments, an OX40 agonist fusion protein according to structures I-A or I-B comprises one or more OX40 binding domains that is a scFv domain comprising V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the V_(H) and V_(L) sequences given in Table 17, wherein the V_(H) and V_(L) domains are connected by a linker.

TABLE 17 Additional polypeptide domains useful as OX40 binding domains in fusion proteins (e.g., structures I-A and I-B) or as scFv OX40 agonist antibodies. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 133 MERVQPLEEN VGNAARPRFE RNKLLLVASV IQGLGLLLCF TYICLHFSAL QVSHRYPRIQ 60 OX40L SIKVQFTEYK KEKGFILTSQ KEDEIMKVQN NSVIINCDGF YLISLKGYFS QEVNISLHYQ 120 KDEEPLFQLK KVRSVNSLMV ASLTYKDKVY LNVTTDNTSL DDFHVNGGEL ILIHQNPGEF 180 CVL 183 SEQ ID NO: 134 SHRYPRIQSI KVQFTEYKKE KGFILTSQKE DEIMKVQNNS VIINCDGFYL ISLKGYFSQE 60 OX40L soluble VNISLHYQKD EEPLFQLKKV RSVNSLMVAS LTYKDKVYLN VTTDNTSLDD FHVNGGELIL 120 domain IHQNPGEFCV L 131 SEQ ID NO: 135 YPRIQSIKVQ FTEYKKEKGF ILTSQKEDEI MKVQNNSVII NCDGFYLISL KGYFSQEVNI 60 OX40L soluble SLHYQKDEEP LFQLKKVRSV NSLMVASLTY KDKVYLNVTT DNTSLDDFHV NGGELILIHQ 120 domain NPGEFCVL 128 (alternative) SEQ ID NO: 136 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS NYTMNWVRQA PGKGLEWVSA ISGSGGSTYY 60 variable heavy ADSVKGRFTI SRDNSKNTLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCAKDR YSQVHYALDY WGQGTLVTVS 120 chain for 008 SEQ ID NO: 137 DIVMTQSPDS LPVTPGEPAS ISCRSSQSLL HSNGYNYLDW YLQKAGQSPQ LLIYLGSNRA 60 variable light SGVPDRFSGS GSGTDFTLKI SRVEAEDVGV YYCQQYYNHP TTFGQGTK 108 chain for 008 SEQ ID NO: 138 EVQLVESGGG VVQPGRSLRL SCAASGFTFS DYTMNWVRQA PGKGLEWVSS ISGGSTYYAD 60 variable heavy SRKGRFTISR DNSKNTLYLQ MNNLRAEDTA VYYCARDRYF RQQNAFDYWG QGTLVTVSSA 120 chain for 011 SEQ ID NO: 139 DIVMTQSPDS LPVTPGEPAS ISCRSSQSLL HSNGYNYLDW YLQKAGQSPQ LLIYLGSNRA 60 variable light SGVPDRFSGS GSGTDFTLKI SRVEAEDVGV YYCQQYYNHP TTFGQGTK 108 chain for 011 SEQ ID NO: 140 EVQLVESGGG LVQPRGSLRL SCAASGFTFS SYAMNWVRQA PGKGLEWVAV ISYDGSNKYY 60 variable heavy ADSVKGRFTI SRDNSKNTLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCAKDR YITLPNALDY WGQGTLVTVS 120 chain for 021 SEQ ID NO: 141 DIQMTQSPVS LPVTPGEPAS ISCRSSQSLL HSNGYNYLDW YLQKPGQSPQ LLIYLGSNRA 60 variable light SGVPDRFSGS GSGTDFTLKI SRVEAEDVGV YYCQQYKSNP PTFGQGTK 108 chain for 021 SEQ ID NO: 142 EVQLVESGGG LVHPGGSLRL SCAGSGFTFS SYAMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVSA IGTGGGTYYA 60 variable heavy DSVMGRFTIS RDNSKNTLYL QMNSLRAEDT AVYYCARYDN VMGLYWFDYW GQGTLVTVSS 120 chain for 023 SEQ ID NO: 143 EIVLTQSPAT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQSVS SYLAWYQQKP GQAPRLLIYD ASNRATGIPA 60 variable light RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLEP EDFAVYYCQQ RSNWPPAFGG GTKVEIKR 108 chain for 023 SEQ ID NO: 144 EVQLQQSGPE LVKPGASVKM SCKASGYTFT SYVMHWVKQK PGQGLEWIGY INPYNDGTKY 60 heavy chain NEKFKGKATL TSDKSSSTAY MELSSLTSED SAVYYCANYY GSSLSMDYWG QGTSVTVSS 119 variable region SEQ ID NO: 145 DIQMTQTTSS LSASLGDRVT ISCRASQDIS NYLNWYQQKP DGTVKLLIYY TSRLHSGVPS 60 light chain RFSGSGSGTD YSLTISNLEQ EDIATYFCQQ GNTLPWTFGG GTKLEIKR 108 variable region SEQ ID NO: 146 EVQLQQSGPE LVKPGASVKI SCKTSGYTFK DYTMHWVKQS HGKSLEWIGG IYPNNGGSTY 60 heavy chain NQNFKDKATL TVDKSSSTAY MEFRSLTSED SAVYYCARMG YHGPHLDFDV WGAGTTVTVS 120 variable region P 121 SEQ ID NO: 147 DIVMTQSHKF MSTSLGDRVS ITCKASQDVG AAVAWYQQKP GQSPKLLIYW ASTRHTGVPD 60 light chain RFTGGGSGTD FTLTISNVQS EDLTDYFCQQ YINYPLTFGG GTKLEIKR 108 variable region SEQ ID NO: 148 QIQLVQSGPE LKKPGETVKI SCKASGYTFT DYSMHWVKQA PGKGLKWMGW INTETGEPTY 60 heavy chain ADDFKGRFAF SLETSASTAY LQINNLKNED TATYFCANPY YDYVSYYAMD YWGHGTSVTV 120 variable region SS 122 of humanized antibody SEQ ID NO: 149 QVQLVQSGSE LKKPGASVKV SCKASGYTFT DYSMHWVRQA PGQGLKWMGW INTETGEPTY 60 heavy chain ADDFKGRFVF SLDTSVSTAY LQISSLKAED TAVYYCANPY YDYVSYYAMD YWGQGTTVTV 120 variable region SS 122 of humanized antibody SEQ ID NO: 150 DIVMTQSHKF MSTSVRDRVS ITCKASQDVS TAVAWYQQKP GQSPKLLIYS ASYLYTGVPD 60 light chain RFTGSGSGTD FTFTISSVQA EDLAVYYCQQ HYSTPRTFGG GTKLEIK 107 variable region of humanized antibody SEQ ID NO: 151 DIVMTQSHKF MSTSVRDRVS ITCKASQDVS TAVAWYQQKP GQSPKLLIYS ASYLYTGVPD 60 light chain RFTGSGSGTD FTFTISSVQA EDLAVYYCQQ HYSTPRTFGG GTKLEIK 107 variable region of humanized antibody SEQ ID NO: 152 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGESLKL SCESNEYEFP SHDMSWVRKT PEKRLELVAA INSDGGSTYY 60 heavy chain PDTMERRFII SRDNTKKTLY LQMSSLRSED TALYYCARHY DDYYAWFAYW GQGTLVTVSA 120 variable region of humanized antibody SEQ ID NO: 153 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASEYEFP SHDMSWVRQA PGKGLELVAA INSDGGSTYY 60 heavy chain PDTMERRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCARHY DDYYAWFAYW GQGTMVTVSS 120 variable region of humanized antibody SEQ ID NO: 154 DIVLTQSPAS LAVSLGQRAT ISCRASKSVS TSGYSYMHWY QQKPGQPPKL LIYLASNLES 60 light chain GVPARFSGSG SGTDFTLNIH PVEEEDAATY YCQHSRELPL TFGAGTKLEL K 111 variable region of humanized antibody SEQ ID NO : 155 EIVLTQSPAT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASKSVS TSGYSYMHWY QQKPGQAPRL LIYLASNLES 60 light chain GVPARFSGSG SGTDFTLTIS SLEPEDFAVY YCQHSRELPL TFGGGTKVEI K 111 variable region of humanized antibody SEQ ID NO: 156 MYLGLNYVFI VFLLNGVQSE VKLEESGGGL VQPGGSMKLS CAASGFTFSD AWMDWVRQSP 60 heavy chain EKGLEWVAEI RSKANNHATY YAESVNGRFT ISRDDSKSSV YLQMNSLRAE DTGIYYCTWG 120 variable region EVFYFDYWGQ GTTLTVSS 138 SEQ ID NO: 157 MRPSIQFLGL LLFWLHGAQC DIQMTQSPSS LSASLGGKVT ITCKSSQDIN KYIAWYQHKP 60 light chain GKGPRLLIHY TSTLQPGIPS RFSGSGSGRD YSFSISNLEP EDIATYYCLQ YDNLLTFGAG 120 variable region TKLELK 126

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is a OX40 agonistic single-chain fusion polypeptide comprising (i) a first soluble OX40 binding domain, (ii) a first peptide linker, (iii) a second soluble OX40 binding domain, (iv) a second peptide linker, and (v) a third soluble OX40 binding domain, further comprising an additional domain at the N-terminal and/or C-terminal end, and wherein the additional domain is a Fab or Fc fragment domain. In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is a OX40 agonistic single-chain fusion polypeptide comprising (i) a first soluble OX40 binding domain, (ii) a first peptide linker, (iii) a second soluble OX40 binding domain, (iv) a second peptide linker, and (v) a third soluble OX40 binding domain, further comprising an additional domain at the N-terminal and/or C-terminal end, wherein the additional domain is a Fab or Fc fragment domain wherein each of the soluble OX40 binding domains lacks a stalk region (which contributes to trimerisation and provides a certain distance to the cell membrane, but is not part of the OX40 binding domain) and the first and the second peptide linkers independently have a length of 3-8 amino acids.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is an OX40 agonistic single-chain fusion polypeptide comprising (i) a first soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily cytokine domain, (ii) a first peptide linker, (iii) a second soluble TNF superfamily cytokine domain, (iv) a second peptide linker, and (v) a third soluble TNF superfamily cytokine domain, wherein each of the soluble TNF superfamily cytokine domains lacks a stalk region and the first and the second peptide linkers independently have a length of 3-8 amino acids, and wherein the TNF superfamily cytokine domain is an OX40 binding domain.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is MEDI6383. MEDI6383 is an OX40 agonistic fusion protein and can be prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,700, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is an OX40 agonistic scFv antibody comprising any of the foregoing V_(H) domains linked to any of the foregoing V_(L) domains.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is Creative Biolabs OX40 agonist monoclonal antibody MOM-18455, commercially available from Creative Biolabs, Inc., Shirley, NY, USA.

In some embodiments, the OX40 agonist is OX40 agonistic antibody clone Ber-ACT35 commercially available from BioLegend, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA.

C. Optional Cell Viability Analyses

Optionally, a cell viability assay can be performed after the priming first expansion (sometimes referred to as the initial bulk expansion), using standard assays known in the art. Thus, in certain embodiments, the method comprises performing a cell viability assay subsequent to the priming first expansion. For example, a trypan blue exclusion assay can be done on a sample of the bulk TILs, which selectively labels dead cells and allows a viability assessment. Other assays for use in testing viability can include but are not limited to the Alamar blue assay; and the MTT assay.

1. Cell Counts, Viability, Flow Cytometry

In some embodiments, cell counts and/or viability are measured. The expression of markers such as but not limited CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD56, as well as any other disclosed or described herein, can be measured by flow cytometry with antibodies, for example but not limited to those commercially available from BD Bio-sciences (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA) using a FACSCanto™ flow cytometer (BD Biosciences). The cells can be counted manually using a disposable c-chip hemocytometer (VWR, Batavia, IL) and viability can be assessed using any method known in the art, including but not limited to trypan blue staining. The cell viability can also be assayed based on U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0282694, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Cell viability can also be assayed based on U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0280436 or International Patent Application Publication No. WO/2018/081473, both of which are incorporate herein in their entireties for all purposes.

In some cases, the bulk TIL population can be cryopreserved immediately, using the protocols discussed below. Alternatively, the bulk TIL population can be subjected to REP and then cryopreserved as discussed below. Similarly, in the case where genetically modified TILs will be used in therapy, the bulk or REP TIL populations can be subjected to genetic modifications for suitable treatments.

2. Cell Cultures

In some embodiments, a method for expanding TILs, including those discussed above as well as exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 8 , in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G, may include using about 5,000 mL to about 25,000 mL of cell medium, about 5,000 mL to about 10,000 mL of cell medium, or about 5,800 mL to about 8,700 mL of cell medium. In some embodiments, the media is a serum free medium. In some embodiments, the media in the priming first expansion is serum free. In some embodiments, the media in the second expansion is serum free. In some embodiments, the media in the priming first expansion and the second expansion (also referred to as rapid second expansion) are both serum free. In some embodiments, expanding the number of TILs uses no more than one type of cell culture medium. Any suitable cell culture medium may be used, e.g., AIM-V cell medium (L-glutamine, 50 μM streptomycin sulfate, and 10 μM gentamicin sulfate) cell culture medium (Invitrogen, Carlsbad CA). In this regard, the inventive methods advantageously reduce the amount of medium and the number of types of medium required to expand the number of TIL. In some embodiments, expanding the number of TIL may comprise feeding the cells no more frequently than every third or fourth day. Expanding the number of cells in a gas permeable container simplifies the procedures necessary to expand the number of cells by reducing the feeding frequency necessary to expand the cells.

In some embodiments, the cell culture medium in the first and/or second gas permeable container is unfiltered. The use of unfiltered cell medium may simplify the procedures necessary to expand the number of cells. In some embodiments, the cell medium in the first and/or second gas permeable container lacks beta-mercaptoethanol (BME).

In some embodiments, the duration of the method comprising obtaining a tumor tissue sample from the mammal; culturing the tumor tissue sample in a first gas permeable container containing cell medium including IL-2, 1× antigen-presenting feeder cells, and OKT-3 for a duration of about 1 to 8 days, e.g., about 7 days as a priming first expansion, or about 8 days as a priming first expansion; transferring the TILs to a second gas permeable container and expanding the number of TILs in the second gas permeable container containing cell medium including IL-2, 2× antigen-presenting feeder cells, and OKT-3 for a duration of about 7 to 9 days, e.g., about 7 days, about 8 days, or about 9 days.

In some embodiments, the duration of the method comprising obtaining a tumor tissue sample from the mammal; culturing the tumor tissue sample in a first gas permeable container containing cell medium including IL-2, 1× antigen-presenting feeder cells, and OKT-3 for a duration of about 1 to 7 days, e.g., about 7 days as a priming first expansion; transferring the TILs to a second gas permeable container and expanding the number of TILs in the second gas permeable container containing cell medium including IL-2, 2× antigen-presenting feeder cells, and OKT-3 for a duration of about 7 to 14 days, or about 7 to 9 days, e.g., about 7 days, about 8 days, or about 9 days, about 10 days, or about 11 days.

In some embodiments, the duration of the method comprising obtaining a tumor tissue sample from the mammal; culturing the tumor tissue sample in a first gas permeable container containing cell medium including IL-2, 1× antigen-presenting feeder cells, and OKT-3 for a duration of about 1 to 7 days, e.g., about 7 days, as a priming first expansion; transferring the TILs to a second gas permeable container and expanding the number of TILs in the second gas permeable container containing cell medium including IL-2, 2× antigen-presenting feeder cells, and OKT-3 for a duration of about 7 to 11 days, e.g., about 7 days, about 8 days, about 9 days, about 10 days, or about 11 days.

In some embodiments, TILs are expanded in gas-permeable containers. Gas-permeable containers have been used to expand TILs using PBMCs using methods, compositions, and devices known in the art, including those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0106717 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, TILs are expanded in gas-permeable bags. In some embodiments, TILs are expanded using a cell expansion system that expands TILs in gas permeable bags, such as the Xuri Cell Expansion System W25 (GE Healthcare). In some embodiments, TILs are expanded using a cell expansion system that expands TILs in gas permeable bags, such as the WAVE Bioreactor System, also known as the Xuri Cell Expansion System W5 (GE Healthcare). In some embodiments, the cell expansion system includes a gas permeable cell bag with a volume selected from the group consisting of about 100 mL, about 200 mL, about 300 mL, about 400 mL, about 500 mL, about 600 mL, about 700 mL, about 800 mL, about 900 mL, about 1 L, about 2 L, about 3 L, about 4 L, about 5 L, about 6 L, about 7 L, about 8 L, about 9 L, and about 10 L.

In some embodiments, TILs can be expanded in G-REX flasks (commercially available from Wilson Wolf Manufacturing). Such embodiments allow for cell populations to expand from about 5×10⁵ cells/cm² to between 10×10⁶ and 30×10⁶ cells/cm². In some embodiments this is without feeding. In some embodiments, this is without feeding so long as medium resides at a height of about 10 cm in the G-REX flask. In some embodiments this is without feeding but with the addition of one or more cytokines. In some embodiments, the cytokine can be added as a bolus without any need to mix the cytokine with the medium. Such containers, devices, and methods are known in the art and have been used to expand TILs, and include those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2014/0377739A1, International Publication No. WO 2014/210036 A1, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. us 2013/0115617 A1, International Publication No. WO 2013/188427 A1, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0136228 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 8,809,050 B2, International publication No. WO 2011/072088 A2, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2016/0208216 A1, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2012/0244133 A1, International Publication No. WO 2012/129201 A1, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2013/0102075 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 8,956,860 B2, International Publication No. WO 2013/173835 A1, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2015/0175966 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Such processes are also described in Jin et al., J Immunotherapy, 2012, 35:283-292.

D. Optional Knockdown or Knockout of Genes in TILs

In some embodiments, the expanded TILs of the present invention are further manipulated before, during, or after an expansion step, including during closed, sterile manufacturing processes, each as provided herein, in order to alter protein expression in a transient manner. In some embodiments, the transiently altered protein expression is due to transient gene editing. In some embodiments, the expanded TILs of the present invention are treated with transcription factors (TFs) and/or other molecules capable of transiently altering protein expression in the TILs. In some embodiments, the TFs and/or other molecules that are capable of transiently altering protein expression provide for altered expression of tumor antigens and/or an alteration in the number of tumor antigen-specific T cells in a population of TILs.

In certain embodiments, the method comprises genetically editing a population of TILs. In certain embodiments, the method comprises genetically editing the first population of TILs, the second population of TILs and/or the third population of TILs.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes genetic editing through nucleotide insertion, such as through ribonucleic acid (RNA) insertion, including insertion of messenger RNA (mRNA) or small (or short) interfering RNA (siRNA), into a population of TILs for promotion of the expression of one or more proteins or inhibition of the expression of one or more proteins, as well as simultaneous combinations of both promotion of one set of proteins with inhibition of another set of proteins.

In some embodiments, the expanded TILs of the present invention undergo transient alteration of protein expression. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression occurs in the bulk TIL population prior to first expansion, including, for example in the TIL population obtained from for example, Step A as indicated in FIG. 8 (particularly FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression occurs during the first expansion, including, for example in the TIL population expanded in for example, Step B as indicated in FIG. 8 (for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression occurs after the first expansion, including, for example in the TIL population in transition between the first and second expansion (e.g. the second population of TILs as described herein), the TIL population obtained from for example, Step B and included in Step C as indicated in FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression occurs in the bulk TIL population prior to second expansion, including, for example in the TIL population obtained from for example, Step C and prior to its expansion in Step D as indicated in FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression occurs during the second expansion, including, for example in the TIL population expanded in for example, Step D as indicated in FIG. 8 (e.g. the third population of TILs). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression occurs after the second expansion, including, for example in the TIL population obtained from the expansion in for example, Step D as indicated in FIG. 8 .

In some embodiments, a method of transiently altering protein expression in a population of TILs includes the step of electroporation. Electroporation methods are known in the art and are described, e.g., in Tsong, Biophys. J. 1991, 60, 297-306, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0227237 A1, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, a method of transiently altering protein expression in population of TILs includes the step of calcium phosphate transfection. Calcium phosphate transfection methods (calcium phosphate DNA precipitation, cell surface coating, and endocytosis) are known in the art and are described in Graham and van der Eb, Virology 1973, 52, 456-467; Wigler, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 1979, 76, 1373-1376; and Chen and Okayarea, Mol. Cell. Biol. 1987, 7, 2745-2752; and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,875, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, a method of transiently altering protein expression in a population of TILs includes the step of liposomal transfection. Liposomal transfection methods, such as methods that employ a 1:1 (w/w) liposome formulation of the cationic lipid N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-n,n,n-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA) and dioleoyl phophotidylethanolamine (DOPE) in filtered water, are known in the art and are described in Rose, et al., Biotechniques 1991, 10, 520-525 and Felgner, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1987, 84, 7413-7417 and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,279,833; 5,908,635; 6,056,938; 6,110,490; 6,534,484; and 7,687,070, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, a method of transiently altering protein expression in a population of TILs includes the step of transfection using methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,766,902; 6,025,337; 6,410,517; 6,475,994; and 7,189,705; the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression results in an increase in stem memory T cells (TSCMs). TSCMs are early progenitors of antigen-experienced central memory T cells. TSCMs generally display the long-term survival, self-renewal, and multipotency abilities that define stem cells, and are generally desirable for the generation of effective TIL products. TSCM have shown enhanced anti-tumor activity compared with other T cell subsets in mouse models of adoptive cell transfer. In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression results in a TIL population with a composition comprising a high proportion of TSCM. In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression results in an at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% increase in TSCM percentage. In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression results in an at least a 1-fold, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, or 10-fold increase in TSCMs in the TIL population. In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression results in a TIL population with at least at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% TSCMs. In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression results in a therapeutic TIL population with at least at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% TSCMs.

In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression results in rejuvenation of antigen-experienced T-cells. In some embodiments, rejuvenation includes, for example, increased proliferation, increased T-cell activation, and/or increased antigen recognition.

In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression alters the expression in a large fraction of the T-cells in order to preserve the tumor-derived TCR repertoire. In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression does not alter the tumor-derived TCR repertoire. In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression maintains the tumor-derived TCR repertoire.

In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein results in altered expression of a particular gene. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets a gene including but not limited toCD39, CD69, PD-1 (also referred to as PDCD1 or CC279), TGFBR2, CCR4/5, CBLB (CBL-B), CISH, CCRs (chimeric co-stimulatory receptors), IL-2, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, NOTCH 1/2 ICD, CTLA-4, TIM3, LAG3, TIGIT, TET2, TGFβ, CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR1, CXCR2, CSCR3, CCL2 (MCP-1), CCL3 (MIP-la), CCL4 (MIP1-β), CCL5 (RANTES), CXCL1/CXCL8, CCL22, CCL17, CXCL1/CXCL8, VHL, CD44, PIK3CD, SOCS1, thymocyte selection associated high mobility group (HMG) box (TOX), ankyrin repeat domain 11 (ANKRD11), BCL6 co-repressor (BCOR) and/or cAMP protein kinase A (PKA). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets a gene selected from the group consisting of PD-1, TGFBR2, CCR4/5, CTLA-4, CBLB (CBL-B), CISH, CCRs (chimeric co-stimulatory receptors), IL-2, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, NOTCH 1/2 ICD, TIM3, LAG3, TIGIT, TET2, TGFβ, CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR1, CXCR2, CSCR3, CCL2 (MCP-1), CCL3 (MIP-la), CCL4 (MIP1-β), CCL5 (RANTES), CXCL1/CXCL8, CCL22, CCL17, CXCL1/CXCL8, VHL, CD44, PIK3CD, SOCS1, thymocyte selection associated high mobility group (HMG) box (TOX), ankyrin repeat domain 11 (ANKRD11), BCL6 co-repressor (BCOR) and/or cAMP protein kinase A (PKA). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CD39. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CD69. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets PD-1. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets TGFBR2. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CCR4/5. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CTLA-4. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CBLB. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CISH. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CCRs (chimeric co-stimulatory receptors). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets IL-2. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets IL-12. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets IL-15. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets IL-21. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets NOTCH 1/2 ICD. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets TIM3. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets LAG3. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets TIGIT. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets TET2. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets TGFβ. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CCR1. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CCR2. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CCR4. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CCR5. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CXCR1. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CXCR2. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CSCR3. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CCL2 (MCP-1). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CCL3 (MIP-la). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CCL4 (MIP1-β). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CCL5 (RANTES). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CXCL1. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CXCL8. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CCL22. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CCL17. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets VHL. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets CD44. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets PIK3CD. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets SOCS1. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets thymocyte selection associated high mobility group (HMG) box (TOX). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets ankyrin repeat domain 11 (ANKRD11). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets BCL6 co-repressor (BCOR). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression targets cAMP protein kinase A (PKA).

In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in increased and/or overexpression of a chemokine receptor. In some embodiments, the chemokine receptor that is overexpressed by transient protein expression includes a receptor with a ligand that includes but is not limited to CCL2 (MCP-1), CCL3 (MIP-1α), CCL4 (MIP1-β), CCL5 (RANTES), CXCL1, CXCL8, CCL22, and/or CCL17.

In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in a decrease and/or reduced expression of CD39, CD69, PD-1, CTLA-4, CBLB, CISH, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, TET2, TGFβ R2, and/or TGFβ (including resulting in, for example, TGFβ pathway blockade). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in a decrease and/or reduced expression of PD-1. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in a decrease and/or reduced expression of CBLB (CBL-B). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in a decrease and/or reduced expression of CISH. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in a decrease and/or reduced expression of TIM-3. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in a decrease and/or reduced expression of LAG-3. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in a decrease and/or reduced expression of TIGIT. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in a decrease and/or reduced expression of TET2. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in a decrease and/or reduced expression of TGFβ R2. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in a decrease and/or reduced expression of TGFβ.

In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in increased and/or overexpression of chemokine receptors in order to, for example, improve TIL trafficking or movement to the tumor site. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in increased and/or overexpression of a CCR (chimeric co-stimulatory receptor). In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in increased and/or overexpression of a chemokine receptor selected from the group consisting of CCR1, CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR1, CXCR2, and/or CSCR3.

In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in increased and/or overexpression of an interleukin. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in increased and/or overexpression of an interleukin selected from the group consisting of IL-2, IL-12, IL-15, and/or IL-21.

In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in increased and/or overexpression of NOTCH 1/2 ICD. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in increased and/or overexpression of VHL. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in increased and/or overexpression of CD44. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in increased and/or overexpression of PIK3CD. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in increased and/or overexpression of SOCS1.

In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of cAMP protein kinase A (PKA).

In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of a molecule selected from the group consisting of CD39, CD69, PD-1, LAG3, TIM3, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2, CISH, TGFβ R2, PKA, CBLB, BAFF (BR3), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of two molecules selected from the group consisting of CD39, CD69, PD-1, LAG3, TIM3, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2, CISH, TGFβ R2, PKA, CBLB, BAFF (BR3), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of PD-1 and one molecule selected from the group consisting of LAG3, TIM3, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2, CISH, TGFβ R2, PKA, CBLB, BAFF (BR3), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, CISH, CBLB, TIM3, TIGIT, TET2 and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of PD-1 and one of CTLA-4, LAG3, CISH, CBLB, TIM3, TIGIT, TET2, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of PD-1 and LAG3. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of PD-1 and CISH. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of PD-1 and CBLB. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CD39 and CD69. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of PD-1 and TIM3. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of PD-1 and TIGIT. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of PD-1 and TET2. IIn some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CTLA-4 and LAG3. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CTLA-4 and CISH. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CTLA-4 and CBLB. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CTLA-4 and TIM3. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CTLA-4 and TIGIT. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CTLA-4 and TET2. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of LAG3 and CISH. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of LAG3 and CBLB. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of LAG3 and TIM3. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of LAG3 and TIGIT. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of LAG3 and TET2. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CISH and CBLB. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CISH and TIM3. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CISH and TIGIT. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CISH and TET2. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CBLB and TIM3. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CBLB and TIGIT. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of CBLB and TET2. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of TIM3 and PD-1. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of TIM3 and LAG3. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of TIM3 and CISH. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of TIM3 and CBLB. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of TIM3 and TIGIT. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of TIM3 and TET2.

In some embodiments, an adhesion molecule selected from the group consisting of CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CX3CR1, and combinations thereof, is inserted by a gammaretroviral or lentiviral method into the first population of TILs, second population of TILs, or harvested population of TILs (e.g., the expression of the adhesion molecule is increased).

In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of a molecule selected from the group consisting of CD39, CD69, PD-1, LAG3, TIM3, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2, CISH, TGFβ R2, PKA, CBLB, BAFF (BR3), and combinations thereof, and increased and/or enhanced expression of CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CX3CR1, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the transient alteration of protein expression results in decreased and/or reduced expression of a molecule selected from the group consisting of CD39, CD69, PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG3, TIM3, CISH, CBLB, TIGIT, TET2 and combinations thereof, and increased and/or enhanced expression of CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CX3CR1, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of about 5%, about 10%, about 10%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%.

In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 80%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 85%, In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 90%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 95%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 99%.

In some embodiments, there is an increase in expression of about 5%, about 10%, about 10%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is an increase in expression of at least about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is an increase in expression of at least about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is an increase in expression of at least about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is an increase in expression of at least about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is an increase in expression of at least about 80%. In some embodiments, there is an increase in expression of at least about 85%, In some embodiments, there is an increase in expression of at least about 90%. In some embodiments, there is an increase in expression of at least about 95%. In some embodiments, there is an increase in expression of at least about 99%.

In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression is induced by treatment of the TILs with transcription factors (TFs) and/or other molecules capable of transiently altering protein expression in the TILs. In some embodiments, the SQZ vector-free microfluidic platform is employed for intracellular delivery of the transcription factors (TFs) and/or other molecules capable of transiently altering protein expression. Such methods demonstrating the ability to deliver proteins, including transcription factors, to a variety of primary human cells, including T cells, which have been described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2019/0093073 A1, US 2018/0201889 A1, and US 2019/0017072 A1, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Such methods can be employed with the present invention in order to expose a population of TILs to transcription factors (TFs) and/or other molecules capable of inducing transient protein expression, wherein said TFs and/or other molecules capable of inducing transient protein expression provide for increased expression of tumor antigens and/or an increase in the number of tumor antigen-specific T cells in the population of TILs, thus resulting in reprogramming of the TIL population and an increase in therapeutic efficacy of the reprogrammed TIL population as compared to a non-reprogrammed TIL population. In some embodiments, the reprogramming results in an increased subpopulation of effector T cells and/or central memory T cells relative to the starting or prior population (i.e., prior to reprogramming) population of TILs, as described herein.

In some embodiments, the transcription factor (TF) includes but is not limited to TCF-1, NOTCH 1/2 ICD, and/or MYB. In some embodiments, the transcription factor (TF) is TCF-1. In some embodiments, the transcription factor (TF) is NOTCH 1/2 ICD. In some embodiments, the transcription factor (TF) is MYB. In some embodiments, the transcription factor (TF) is administered with induced pluripotent stem cell culture (iPSC), such as the commercially available KNOCKOUT Serum Replacement (Gibco/ThermoFisher), to induce additional TIL reprogramming. In some embodiments, the transcription factor (TF) is administered with an iPSC cocktail to induce additional TIL reprogramming. In some embodiments, the transcription factor (TF) is administered without an iPSC cocktail. In some embodiments, reprogramming results in an increase in the percentage of TSCMs. In some embodiments, reprogramming results in an increase in the percentage of TSCMs by about 5%, about 10%, about 10%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95% TSCMs.

In some embodiments, a method of transient altering protein expression, as described above, may be combined with a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of stable incorporation of genes for production of one or more proteins. In certain embodiments, the method comprises a step of genetically modifying a population of TILs. In certain embodiments, the method comprises genetically modifying the first population of TILs, the second population of TILs and/or the third population of TILs. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of retroviral transduction. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of lentiviral transduction. Lentiviral transduction systems are known in the art and are described, e.g., in Levine, et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. 2006, 103, 17372-77; Zufferey, et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 1997, 15, 871-75; Dull, et al., J Virology 1998, 72, 8463-71, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,627,442, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of gamma-retroviral transduction. Gamma-retroviral transduction systems are known in the art and are described, e.g., Cepko and Pear, Cur. Prot. Mol. Biol. 1996, 9.9.1-9.9.16, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of transposon-mediated gene transfer. Transposon-mediated gene transfer systems are known in the art and include systems wherein the transposase is provided as DNA expression vector or as an expressible RNA or a protein such that long-term expression of the transposase does not occur in the transgenic cells, for example, a transposase provided as an mRNA (e.g., an mRNA comprising a cap and poly-A tail). Suitable transposon-mediated gene transfer systems, including the salmonid-type Tel-like transposase (SB or Sleeping Beauty transposase), such as SB10, SB11, and SB100x, and engineered enzymes with increased enzymatic activity, are described in, e.g., Hackett, et al., Mol. Therapy 2010, 18, 674-83 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,489,458, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression in TILs is induced by small interfering RNA (siRNA), sometimes known as short interfering RNA or silencing RNA, which is a double stranded RNA molecule, generally 19-25 base pairs in length. siRNA is used in RNA interference (RNAi), where it interferes with expression of specific genes with complementary nucleotide sequences.

In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression is a reduction in expression. In some embodiments, transient alteration of protein expression in TILs is induced by self-delivering RNA interference (sdRNA), which is a chemically-synthesized asymmetric siRNA duplex with a high percentage of 2′-OH substitutions (typically fluorine or —OCH3) which comprises a 20-nucleotide antisense (guide) strand and a 13 to 15 base sense (passenger) strand conjugated to cholesterol at its 3′ end using a tetraethylenglycol (TEG) linker. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), sometimes known as short interfering RNA or silencing RNA, is a double stranded RNA molecule, generally 19-25 base pairs in length. siRNA is used in RNA interference (RNAi), where it interferes with expression of specific genes with complementary nucleotide sequences. sdRNA are covalently and hydrophobically modified RNAi compounds that do not require a delivery vehicle to enter cells. sdRNAs are generally asymmetric chemically modified nucleic acid molecules with minimal double stranded regions. sdRNA molecules typically contain single stranded regions and double stranded regions and can contain a variety of chemical modifications within both the single stranded and double stranded regions of the molecule. Additionally, the sdRNA molecules can be attached to a hydrophobic conjugate such as a conventional and advanced sterol-type molecule, as described herein. sdRNAs and associated methods for making such sdRNAs have also been described extensively in, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2016/0304873 A1, US 2019/0211337 A1, US 2009/0131360 A1, and US 2019/0048341 A1, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,633,654 and 10,913,948B2, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. To optimize sdRNA structure, chemistry, targeting position, sequence preferences, and the like, an algorithm has been developed and utilized for sdRNA potency prediction. Based on these analyses, functional sdRNA sequences have been generally defined as having over 70% reduction in expression at 1 μM concentration, with a probability over 40%.

Double stranded DNA (dsRNA) can be generally used to define any molecule comprising a pair of complementary strands of RNA, generally a sense (passenger) and antisense (guide) strands, and may include single-stranded overhang regions. The term dsRNA, contrasted with siRNA, generally refers to a precursor molecule that includes the sequence of an siRNA molecule which is released from the larger dsRNA molecule by the action of cleavage enzyme systems, including Dicer.

In some embodiments, the method comprises transient alteration of protein expression in a population of TILs, including TILs modified to express a CCR, comprising the use of self-delivering RNA interference (sdRNA), which is for example, a chemically-synthesized asymmetric siRNA duplex with a high percentage of 2′-OH substitutions (typically fluorine or —OCH₃) which comprises a 20-nucleotide antisense (guide) strand and a 13 to 15 base sense (passenger) strand conjugated to cholesterol at its 3′ end using a tetraethylenglycol (TEG) linker. Methods of using siRNA and sdRNA have been described in Khvorova and Watts, Nat. Biotechnol. 2017, 35, 238-248; Byrne, et al., J Ocul. Pharmacol. Ther. 2013, 29, 855-864; and Ligtenberg, et al., Mol. Therapy, 2018, 26, 1482-93, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, delivery of siRNA is accomplished using electroporation or cell membrane disruption (such as the squeeze or SQZ method). In some embodiments, delivery of sdRNA to a TIL population is accomplished without use of electroporation, SQZ, or other methods, instead using a 1 to 3 day period in which a TIL population is exposed to sdRNA at a concentration of 1 pM/10,000 TILs in medium. In certain embodiments, the method comprises delivery or siRNA or sdRNA to a TILs population comprising exposing the TILs population to sdRNA at a concentration of 1 μM/10,000 TILs in medium for a period of between 1 to 3 days. In some embodiments, delivery of sdRNA to a TIL population is accomplished using a 1 to 3 day period in which a TIL population is exposed to sdRNA at a concentration of 10 μM/10,000 TILs in medium. In some embodiments, delivery of sdRNA to a TIL population is accomplished using a 1 to 3 day period in which a TIL population is exposed to sdRNA at a concentration of 50 μM/10,000 TILs in medium. In some embodiments, delivery of sdRNA to a TIL population is accomplished using a 1 to 3 day period in which a TIL population is exposed to sdRNA at a concentration of between 0.1 μM/10,000 TILs and 50 μM/10,000 TILs in medium. In some embodiments, delivery of sdRNA to a TIL population is accomplished using a 1 to 3 day period in which a TIL population is exposed to sdRNA at a concentration of between 0.1 μM/10,000 TILs and 50 μM/10,000 TILs in medium, wherein the exposure to sdRNA is performed two, three, four, or five times by addition of fresh sdRNA to the media. Other suitable processes are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0039914 A1, US 2013/0131141 A1, and US 2013/0131142 A1, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,080,171, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, siRNA or sdRNA is inserted into a population of TILs during manufacturing. In some embodiments, the sdRNA encodes RNA that interferes with NOTCH 1/2 ICD, PD-1, CTLA-4 TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, TGFβ, TGFBR2, cAMP protein kinase A (PKA), BAFF BR3, CISH, and/or CBLB. In some embodiments, the reduction in expression is determined based on a percentage of gene silencing, for example, as assessed by flow cytometry and/or qPCR. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of about 5%, about 10%, about 10%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 80%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 85%, In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 90%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 95%. In some embodiments, there is a reduction in expression of at least about 99%.

The self-deliverable RNAi technology based on the chemical modification of siRNAs can be employed with the methods of the present invention to successfully deliver the sdRNAs to the TILs as described herein. The combination of backbone modifications with asymmetric siRNA structure and a hydrophobic ligand (see, for example, Ligtenberg, et al., Mol. Therapy, 2018, 26, 1482-93 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0304873 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein) allow sdRNAs to penetrate cultured mammalian cells without additional formulations and methods by simple addition to the culture media, capitalizing on the nuclease stability of sdRNAs. This stability allows the support of constant levels of RNAi-mediated reduction of target gene activity simply by maintaining the active concentration of sdRNA in the media. While not being bound by theory, the backbone stabilization of sdRNA provides for extended reduction in gene expression effects which can last for months in non-dividing cells.

In some embodiments, over 95% transfection efficiency of TILs and a reduction in expression of the target by various specific siRNAs or sdRNAs occurs. In some embodiments, siRNAs or sdRNAs containing several unmodified ribose residues were replaced with fully modified sequences to increase potency and/or the longevity of RNAi effect. In some embodiments, a reduction in expression effect is maintained for 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, or 8 days or more. In some embodiments, the reduction in expression effect decreases at 10 days or more post siRNA or sdRNA treatment of the TILs. In some embodiments, more than 70% reduction in expression of the target expression is maintained. In some embodiments, more than 70% reduction in expression of the target expression is maintained TILs. In some embodiments, a reduction in expression in the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway allows for the TILs to exhibit a more potent in vivo effect, which is in some embodiments, due to the avoidance of the suppressive effects of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. In some embodiments, a reduction in expression of PD-1 by siRNA or sdRNA results in an increase TIL proliferation.

In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a 70% reduction in expression of the target gene. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a 75% reduction in expression of the target gene. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit an 80% reduction in expression of the target gene. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit an 85% reduction in expression of the target gene. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a 90% reduction in expression of the target gene. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a 95% reduction in expression of the target gene. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a 99% reduction in expression of the target gene. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 0.25 μM to about 4 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 0.25 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 0.5 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 0.75 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 1.0 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 1.25 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 1.5 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 1.75 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 2.0 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 2.25 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 2.5 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 2.75 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 3.0 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 3.25 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 3.5 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 3.75 μM. In some embodiments, the sdRNA sequences used in the invention exhibit a reduction in expression of the target gene when delivered at a concentration of about 4.0 μM.

In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA oligonucleotide agents comprise one or more modification to increase stability and/or effectiveness of the therapeutic agent, and to effect efficient delivery of the oligonucleotide to the cells or tissue to be treated. Such modifications can include a 2′-O-methyl modification, a 2′-O-fluro modification, a diphosphorothioate modification, 2′ F modified nucleotide, a2′-O-methyl modified and/or a 2′deoxy nucleotide. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide is modified to include one or more hydrophobic modifications including, for example, sterol, cholesterol, vitamin D, naphtyl, isobutyl, benzyl, indol, tryptophane, and/or phenyl. In some embodiments, chemically modified nucleotides are combination of phosphorothioates, 2′-O-methyl, 2′deoxy, hydrophobic modifications and phosphorothioates. In some embodiments, the sugars can be modified and modified sugars can include but are not limited to D-ribose, 2′-O-alkyl (including 2′-O-methyl and 2′-O-ethyl), i.e., 2′-alkoxy, 2-amino, 2′-S-alkyl, 2′-halo (including 2′-fluoro), T-methoxyethoxy, 2′-allyloxy (—OCH2CH═CH2), 2′-propargyl, 2′-propyl, ethynyl, ethenyl, propenyl, and cyano and the like. In some embodiments, the sugar moiety can be a hexose and incorporated into an oligonucleotide as described in Augustyns, et al., Nucl. Acids. Res. 1992, 18, 4711, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, the double-stranded siRNA or sdRNA oligonucleotide of the invention is double-stranded over its entire length, i.e., with no overhanging single-stranded sequence at either end of the molecule, i.e., is blunt-ended. In some embodiments, the individual nucleic acid molecules can be of different lengths. In other words, a double-stranded siRNA or sdRNA oligonucleotide of the invention is not double-stranded over its entire length. For instance, when two separate nucleic acid molecules are used, one of the molecules, e.g., the first molecule comprising an antisense sequence, can be longer than the second molecule hybridizing thereto (leaving a portion of the molecule single-stranded). In some embodiments, when a single nucleic acid molecule is used a portion of the molecule at either end can remain single-stranded.

In some embodiments, a double-stranded siRNA or sdRNA oligonucleotide of the invention contains mismatches and/or loops or bulges, but is double-stranded over at least about 70% of the length of the oligonucleotide. In some embodiments, a double-stranded oligonucleotide of the invention is double-stranded over at least about 80% of the length of the oligonucleotide. In other embodiments, a double-stranded siRNA or sdRNA oligonucleotide of the invention is double-stranded over at least about 90%-95% of the length of the oligonucleotide. In some embodiments, a double-stranded siRNA or sdRNA oligonucleotide of the invention is double-stranded over at least about 96%-98% of the length of the oligonucleotide. In some embodiments, the double-stranded oligonucleotide of the invention contains at least or up to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 mismatches.

In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA oligonucleotide can be substantially protected from nucleases e.g., by modifying the 3′ or 5′ linkages, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,902, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. For example, oligonucleotides can be made resistant by the inclusion of a “blocking group.” The term “blocking group” as used herein refers to substituents (e.g., other than OH groups) that can be attached to oligonucleotides or nucleomonomers, either as protecting groups or coupling groups for synthesis (e.g., FITC, propyl (CH2-CH2-CH3), glycol (—O—CH2-CH2-O-) phosphate (P03²”), hydrogen phosphonate, or phosphoramidite). “Blocking groups” can also include “end blocking groups” or “exonuclease blocking groups” which protect the 5′ and 3′ termini of the oligonucleotide, including modified nucleotides and non-nucleotide exonuclease resistant structures.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the contiguous polynucleotides within the siRNA or sdRNA are linked by a substitute linkage, e.g., a phosphorothioate linkage.

In some embodiments, chemical modification can lead to at least a 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105 , 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, or 500 percent enhancement in cellular uptake of an siRNA or sdRNA. In some embodiments, at least one of the C or U residues includes a hydrophobic modification. In some embodiments, a plurality of Cs and Us contain a hydrophobic modification. In some embodiments, at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 60% 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or at least 95% of the Cs and Us can contain a hydrophobic modification. In some embodiments, all of the Cs and Us contain a hydrophobic modification.

In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA molecules exhibit enhanced endosomal release of through the incorporation of protonatable amines. In some embodiments, protonatable amines are incorporated in the sense strand (in the part of the molecule which is discarded after RISC loading). In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA compounds of the invention comprise an asymmetric compound comprising a duplex region (required for efficient RISC entry of 10⁻¹⁵ bases long) and single stranded region of 4-12 nucleotides long; with a 13 nucleotide duplex. In some embodiments, a 6 nucleotide single stranded region is employed. In some embodiments, the single stranded region of the siRNA or sdRNA comprises 2-12 phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages (referred to as phosphorothioate modifications). In some embodiments, 6-8 phosphorothioate intemucleotide linkages are employed. In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA compounds of the invention also include a unique chemical modification pattern, which provides stability and is compatible with RISC entry. The guide strand, for example, may also be modified by any chemical modification which confirms stability without interfering with RISC entry. In some embodiments, the chemical modification pattern in the guide strand includes the majority of C and U nucleotides being 2′ F modified and the 5′ end being phosphorylated.

In some embodiments, at least 30% of the nucleotides in the siRNA or sdRNA are modified. In some embodiments, at least 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% of the nucleotides in the siRNA or sdRNA are modified. In some embodiments, 100% of the nucleotides in the siRNA or sdRNA are modified.

In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA molecules have minimal double stranded regions. In some embodiments the region of the molecule that is double stranded ranges from 8-15 nucleotides long. In some embodiments, the region of the molecule that is double stranded is 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 nucleotides long. In some embodiments the double stranded region is 13 nucleotides long. There can be 100% complementarity between the guide and passenger strands, or there may be one or more mismatches between the guide and passenger strands. In some embodiments, on one end of the double stranded molecule, the molecule is either blunt-ended or has a one-nucleotide overhang. The single stranded region of the molecule is in some embodiments between 4-12 nucleotides long. In some embodiments, the single stranded region can be 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 nucleotides long. In some embodiments, the single stranded region can also be less than 4 or greater than 12 nucleotides long. In certain embodiments, the single stranded region is 6 or 7 nucleotides long.

In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA molecules have increased stability. In some instances, a chemically modified siRNA or sdRNA molecule has a half-life in media that is longer than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or more than 24 hours, including any intermediate values. In some embodiments, the siRNA or sd-RNA has a half-life in media that is longer than 12 hours.

In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA is optimized for increased potency and/or reduced toxicity. In some embodiments, nucleotide length of the guide and/or passenger strand, and/or the number of phosphorothioate modifications in the guide and/or passenger strand, can in some aspects influence potency of the RNA molecule, while replacing 2′-fluoro (2′F) modifications with 2′-O-methyl (2′OMe) modifications can in some aspects influence toxicity of the molecule. In some embodiments, reduction in 2′F content of a molecule is predicted to reduce toxicity of the molecule. In some embodiments, the number of phosphorothioate modifications in an RNA molecule can influence the uptake of the molecule into a cell, for example the efficiency of passive uptake of the molecule into a cell. In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA has no 2′F modification and yet are characterized by equal efficacy in cellular uptake and tissue penetration.

In some embodiments, a guide strand is approximately 18-19 nucleotides in length and has approximately 2-14 phosphate modifications. For example, a guide strand can contain 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or more than 14 nucleotides that are phosphate-modified. The guide strand may contain one or more modifications that confer increased stability without interfering with RISC entry. The phosphate modified nucleotides, such as phosphorothioate modified nucleotides, can be at the 3′ end, 5′ end or spread throughout the guide strand. In some embodiments, the 3′ terminal 10 nucleotides of the guide strand contain 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 phosphorothioate modified nucleotides. The guide strand can also contain 2′F and/or 2′OMe modifications, which can be located throughout the molecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide in position one of the guide strand (the nucleotide in the most 5′ position of the guide strand) is 2′OMe modified and/or phosphorylated. C and U nucleotides within the guide strand can be 2′F modified. For example, C and U nucleotides in positions 2-10 of a 19 nt guide strand (or corresponding positions in a guide strand of a different length) can be 2′F modified. C and U nucleotides within the guide strand can also be 2′OMe modified. For example, C and U nucleotides in positions 11-18 of a 19 nt guide strand (or corresponding positions in a guide strand of a different length) can be 2′OMe modified. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the most 3′ end of the guide strand is unmodified. In certain embodiments, the majority of Cs and Us within the guide strand are 2′F modified and the 5′ end of the guide strand is phosphorylated. In other embodiments, position 1 and the Cs or Us in positions 11-18 are 2′OMe modified and the 5′ end of the guide strand is phosphorylated. In other embodiments, position 1 and the Cs or Us in positions 11-18 are 2′OMe modified, the 5′ end of the guide strand is phosphorylated, and the Cs or Us in position 2-10 are 2′F modified.

The self-deliverable RNAi technology provides a method of directly transfecting cells with the RNAi agent (whether siRNA, sdRNA, or other RNAi agents), without the need for additional formulations or techniques. The ability to transfect hard-to-transfect cell lines, high in vivo activity, and simplicity of use, are characteristics of the compositions and methods that present significant functional advantages over traditional siRNA-based techniques, and as such, the sdRNA methods are employed in several embodiments related to the methods of reduction in expression of the target gene in the TILs of the present invention. The sdRNA method allows direct delivery of chemically synthesized compounds to a wide range of primary cells and tissues, both ex-vivo and in vivo. The sdRNAs described in some embodiments of the invention herein are commercially available from Advirna LLC, Worcester, MA, USA.

siRNA and sdRNA may be formed as hydrophobically-modified siRNA-antisense oligonucleotide hybrid structures, and are disclosed, for example in Byrne, et al., J Ocular Pharmacol. Therapeut., 2013, 29, 855-864, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA oligonucleotides can be delivered to the TILs described herein using sterile electroporation. In certain embodiments, the method comprises sterile electroporation of a population of TILs to deliver siRNA or sdRNA oligonucleotides.

In some embodiments, the oligonucleotides can be delivered to the cells in combination with a transmembrane delivery system. In some embodiments, this transmembrane delivery system comprises lipids, viral vectors, and the like. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide agent is a self-delivery RNAi agent, that does not require any delivery agents. In certain embodiments, the method comprises use of a transmembrane delivery system to deliver siRNA or sdRNA oligonucleotides to a population of TILs.

Oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide compositions are contacted with (e.g., brought into contact with, also referred to herein as administered or delivered to) and taken up by TILs described herein, including through passive uptake by TILs. The sdRNA can be added to the TILs as described herein during the first expansion, for example Step B, after the first expansion, for example, during Step C, before or during the second expansion, for example before or during Step D, after Step D and before harvest in Step E, during or after harvest in Step F, before or during final formulation and/or transfer to infusion Bag in Step F, as well as before any optional cryopreservation step in Step F. Moreover, sdRNA can be added after thawing from any cryopreservation step in Step F. In some embodiments, one or more sdRNAs targeting genes as described herein, including CD39, CD69, PD-1, LAG-3, TIM-3, CISH, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2 and CBLB, may be added to cell culture media comprising TILs and other agents at concentrations selected from the group consisting of 100 nM to 20 mM, 200 nM to 10 mM, 500 nm to 1 mM, 1 μM to 100 μM, and 1 μM to 100 μM. In some embodiments, one or more sdRNAs targeting genes as described herein, including CD39, CD69, PD-1, LAG-3, TIM-3, CISH, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2 and CBLB, may be added to cell culture media comprising TILs and other agents at amounts selected from the group consisting of 0.1 μM sdRNA/10,000 TILs/100 μL media, 0.5 μM sdRNA/10,000 TILs/100 μL media, 0.75 μM sdRNA/10,000 TILs/100 μL media, 1 μM sdRNA/10,000 TILs/100 μL media, 1.25 μM sdRNA/10,000 TILs/100 μL media, 1.5 μM sdRNA/10,000 TILs/100 μL media, 2 μM sdRNA/10,000 TILs/100 μL media, 5 μM sdRNA/10,000 TILs/100 μL media, or 10 μM sdRNA/10,000 TILs/100 μL media. In some embodiments, one or more sdRNAs targeting genes as described herein, including CD39, CD69, PD-1, LAG-3, TIM-3, CISH, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2 and CBLB, may be added to TIL cultures during the pre-REP or REP stages twice a day, once a day, every two days, every three days, every four days, every five days, every six days, or every seven days.

Oligonucleotide compositions of the invention, including sdRNA, can be contacted with TILs as described herein during the expansion process, for example by dissolving sdRNA at high concentrations in cell culture media and allowing sufficient time for passive uptake to occur. In certain embodiments, the method of the present invention comprises contacting a population of TILs with an oligonucleotide composition as described herein. In certain embodiments, the method comprises dissolving an oligonucleotide e.g., sdRNA in a cell culture media and contacting the cell culture media with a population of TILs. The TILs may be a first population, a second population and/or a third population as described herein.

In some embodiments, delivery of oligonucleotides into cells can be enhanced by suitable art recognized methods including calcium phosphate, DMSO, glycerol or dextran, electroporation, or by transfection, e.g., using cationic, anionic, or neutral lipid compositions or liposomes using methods known in the art, such as those methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,897,355; 5,459,127; 5,631,237; 5,955,365; 5,976,567; 10,087,464; and 10,155,945; and Bergan, et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 1993, 21, 3567, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, more than one siRNA or sdRNA is used to reduce expression of a target gene. In some embodiments, one or more of CD39, CD69, PD-1, TIM-3, CBLB, LAG3, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2 and/or CISH targeting siRNA or sdRNAs are used together. In some embodiments, a PD-1 siRNA or sdRNA is used with one or more of TIM-3, CBLB, LAG3, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2 and/or CISH in order to reduce expression of more than one gene target. In some embodiments, a LAG3 siRNA or sdRNA is used in combination with a CISH targeting siRNA or sdRNA to reduce gene expression of both targets. In some embodiments, the siRNAs or sdRNAs targeting one or more of CD39, CD69, PD-1, TIM-3, CBLB, LAG3, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2 and/or CISH herein are commercially available from Advirna LLC, Worcester, MA, USA or multiple other vendors.

In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA targets a gene selected from the group consisting of CD39, CD69, PD-1, LAG3, TIM3, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2, CISH, TGFβ R2, PKA, CBLB, BAFF (BR3), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA targets a gene selected from the group consisting of CD39, CD69, PD-1, LAG3, TIM3, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2, CISH, TGFβ R2, PKA, CBLB, BAFF (BR3), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets PD-1 and another siRNA or sdRNA targets a gene selected from the group consisting of LAG3, TIM3, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2, CISH, TGFβ R2, PKA, CBLB, BAFF (BR3), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA targets a gene selected from CD39, CD69, PD-1, LAG-3, CISH, CBLB, TIM3, CTLA-4, TIGIT, TET2 and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the siRNA or sdRNA targets a gene selected from PD-1 and one of LAG3, CISH, CBLB, TIM3, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets PD-1 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets LAG3. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets PD-1 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets CISH. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets PD-1 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets CBLB. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets PD-1 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIM3. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets PD-1 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets CTLA-4. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets PD-1 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIGIT. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets PD-1 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TET2. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets LAG3 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets CISH. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets LAG3 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets CBLB. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets LAG3 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIM3. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets LAG3 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets CTLA-4. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets LAG3 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIGIT. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets LAG3 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TET2. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets CISH and one siRNA or sdRNA targets CBLB. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets CISH and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIM3. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets CISH and one siRNA or sdRNA targets CTLA-4. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets CISH and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIGIT. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets CISH and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TET2. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets CBLBand one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIM3. In some embodiments, one sdRNA targets CD39 and one sdRNA targets CD69. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets CBLB and one siRNA or sdRNA targets CTLA-4. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets CBLB and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIGIT. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets CBLB and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TET2.

In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIM3 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets PD-1. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIM3 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets LAG3. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIM3 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets CISH. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIM3 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets CBLB. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIM3 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets CTLA-4. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIM3 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIGIT. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIM3 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TET2. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets CTLA-4 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIGIT. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets CTLA-4 and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TET2. In some embodiments, one siRNA or sdRNA targets TIGIT and one siRNA or sdRNA targets TET2.

As discussed herein, embodiments of the present invention provide tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that have been genetically modified via gene-editing to enhance their therapeutic effect. Embodiments of the present invention embrace genetic editing through nucleotide insertion (RNA or DNA) into a population of TILs for both promotion of the expression of one or more proteins and inhibition of the expression of one or more proteins, as well as combinations thereof. Embodiments of the present invention also provide methods for expanding TILs into a therapeutic population, wherein the methods comprise gene-editing the TILs. There are several gene-editing technologies that may be used to genetically modify a population of TILs, which are suitable for use in accordance with the present invention. Such methods include the methods described below as well as the viral and transposon methods described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a TIL, MIL, or PBL to express a CCR may also include a modification to suppress the expression of a gene either via stable knockout of such a gene or transient knockdown of such a gene.

In some embodiments, the method comprises a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs in a first population, a second population and/or a third population as described herein. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of stable incorporation of genes for production or inhibition (e.g., silencing) of one more proteins. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of electroporation. Electroporation methods are known in the art and are described, e.g., in Tsong, Biophys. J 1991, 60, 297-306, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0227237 A1, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. Other electroporation methods known in the art, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,019,034; 5,128,257; 5,137,817; 5,173,158; 5,232,856; 5,273,525; 5,304,120; 5,318,514; 6,010,613 and 6,078,490, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein, may be used. In some embodiments, the electroporation method is a sterile electroporation method. In some embodiments, the electroporation method is a pulsed electroporation method. In some embodiments, the electroporation method is a pulsed electroporation method comprising the steps of treating TILs with pulsed electrical fields to alter, manipulate, or cause defined and controlled, permanent or temporary changes in the TILs, comprising the step of applying a sequence of at least three single, operator-controlled, independently programmed, DC electrical pulses, having field strengths equal to or greater than 100 V/cm, to the TILs, wherein the sequence of at least three DC electrical pulses has one, two, or three of the following characteristics: (1) at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse amplitude; (2) at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse width; and (3) a first pulse interval for a first set of two of the at least three pulses is different from a second pulse interval for a second set of two of the at least three pulses. In some embodiments, the electroporation method is a pulsed electroporation method comprising the steps of treating TILs with pulsed electrical fields to alter, manipulate, or cause defined and controlled, permanent or temporary changes in the TILs, comprising the step of applying a sequence of at least three single, operator-controlled, independently programmed, DC electrical pulses, having field strengths equal to or greater than 100 V/cm, to the TILs, wherein at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse amplitude. In some embodiments, the electroporation method is a pulsed electroporation method comprising the steps of treating TILs with pulsed electrical fields to alter, manipulate, or cause defined and controlled, permanent or temporary changes in the TILs, comprising the step of applying a sequence of at least three single, operator-controlled, independently programmed, DC electrical pulses, having field strengths equal to or greater than 100 V/cm, to the TILs, wherein at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse width. In some embodiments, the electroporation method is a pulsed electroporation method comprising the steps of treating TILs with pulsed electrical fields to alter, manipulate, or cause defined and controlled, permanent or temporary changes in the TILs, comprising the step of applying a sequence of at least three single, operator-controlled, independently programmed, DC electrical pulses, having field strengths equal to or greater than 100 V/cm, to the TILs, wherein a first pulse interval for a first set of two of the at least three pulses is different from a second pulse interval for a second set of two of the at least three pulses. In some embodiments, the electroporation method is a pulsed electroporation method comprising the steps of treating TILs with pulsed electrical fields to induce pore formation in the TILs, comprising the step of applying a sequence of at least three DC electrical pulses, having field strengths equal to or greater than 100 V/cm, to TILs, wherein the sequence of at least three DC electrical pulses has one, two, or three of the following characteristics: (1) at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse amplitude; (2) at least two of the at least three pulses differ from each other in pulse width; and (3) a first pulse interval for a first set of two of the at least three pulses is different from a second pulse interval for a second set of two of the at least three pulses, such that induced pores are sustained for a relatively long period of time, and such that viability of the TILs is maintained. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of calcium phosphate transfection. Calcium phosphate transfection methods (calcium phosphate DNA precipitation, cell surface coating, and endocytosis) are known in the art and are described in Graham and van der Eb, Virology 1973, 52, 456-467; Wigler, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 1979, 76, 1373-1376; and Chen and Okayarea, Mol. Cell. Biol. 1987, 7, 2745-2752; and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,875, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of liposomal transfection. Liposomal transfection methods, such as methods that employ a 1:1 (w/w) liposome formulation of the cationic lipid N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-n,n,n-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA) and dioleoyl phophotidylethanolamine (DOPE) in filtered water, are known in the art and are described in Rose, et al., Biotechniques 1991, 10, 520-525 and Felgner, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1987, 84, 7413-7417 and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,279,833; 5,908,635; 6,056,938; 6,110,490; 6,534,484; and 7,687,070, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, a method of genetically modifying a population of TILs includes the step of transfection using methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,766,902; 6,025,337; 6,410,517; 6,475,994; and 7,189,705; the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. The TILs may be a first population, a second population and/or a third population of TILs as described herein.

According to an embodiment, the gene-editing process may comprise the use of a programmable nuclease that mediates the generation of a double-strand or single-strand break at one or more immune checkpoint genes. Such programmable nucleases enable precise genome editing by introducing breaks at specific genomic loci, i.e., they rely on the recognition of a specific DNA sequence within the genome to target a nuclease domain to this location and mediate the generation of a double-strand break at the target sequence. A double-strand break in the DNA subsequently recruits endogenous repair machinery to the break site to mediate genome editing by either non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) or homology-directed repair (HDR). Thus, the repair of the break can result in the introduction of insertion/deletion mutations that disrupt (e.g., silence, repress, or enhance) the target gene product.

Major classes of nucleases that have been developed to enable site-specific genomic editing include zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR-associated nucleases (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9). These nuclease systems can be broadly classified into two categories based on their mode of DNA recognition: ZFNs and TALENs achieve specific DNA binding via protein-DNA interactions, whereas CRISPR systems, such as Cas9, are targeted to specific DNA sequences by a short RNA guide molecule that base-pairs directly with the target DNA and by protein-DNA interactions. See, e.g., Cox et al., Nature Medicine, 2015, Vol. 21, No. 2.

Non-limiting examples of gene-editing methods that may be used in accordance with TIL expansion methods of the present invention include CRISPR methods, TALE methods, and ZFN methods, which are described in more detail below. According to an embodiment, a method for expanding TILs into a therapeutic population may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., Gen 2) or as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2020/0299644 A1 and US 2020/0121719 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 10,925,900, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein, wherein the method further comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs by one or more of a CRISPR method, a TALE method or a ZFN method, in order to generate TILs that can provide an enhanced therapeutic effect. According to an embodiment, gene-edited TILs can be evaluated for an improved therapeutic effect by comparing them to non-modified TILs in vitro, e.g., by evaluating in vitro effector function, cytokine profiles, etc. compared to unmodified TILs. In certain embodiments, the method comprises gene editing a population of TILs using CRISPR, TALE and/or ZFN methods.

In some embodiments of the present invention, electroporation is used for delivery of a gene editing system, such as CRISPR, TALEN, and ZFN systems. In some embodiments of the present invention, the electroporation system is a flow electroporation system. An example of a suitable flow electroporation system suitable for use with some embodiments of the present invention is the commercially-available MaxCyte STX system. There are several alternative commercially-available electroporation instruments which may be suitable for use with the present invention, such as the AgilePulse system or ECM 830 available from BTX-Harvard Apparatus, Cellaxess Elektra (Cellectricon), Nucleofector (Lonza/Amaxa), GenePulser MXcell (BIORAD), iPorator-96 (Primax) or siPORTer96 (Ambion). In some embodiments of the present invention, the electroporation system forms a closed, sterile system with the remainder of the TIL expansion method. In some embodiments of the present invention, the electroporation system is a pulsed electroporation system as described herein, and forms a closed, sterile system with the remainder of the TIL expansion method.

A method for expanding TILs into a therapeutic population may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., Gen 2) or as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2020/0299644 A1 and US 2020/0121719 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 10,925,900, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein, wherein the method further comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs by a CRISPR method (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9 or CRISPR/Cpfl). According to particular embodiments, the use of a CRISPR method during the TIL expansion process causes expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes to be silenced or reduced in at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs. Alternatively, the use of a CRISPR method during the TIL expansion process causes expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes to be enhanced in at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs.

CRISPR stands for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. A method of using a CRISPR system for gene editing is also referred to herein as a CRISPR method. There are three types of CRISPR systems which incorporate RNAs and Cas proteins, and which may be used in accordance with the present invention: Types I, II, and III. The Type II CRISPR (exemplified by Cas9) is one of the most well-characterized systems.

CRISPR technology was adapted from the natural defense mechanisms of bacteria and archaea (the domain of single-celled microorganisms). These organisms use CRISPR-derived RNA and various Cas proteins, including Cas9, to foil attacks by viruses and other foreign bodies by chopping up and destroying the DNA of a foreign invader. A CRISPR is a specialized region of DNA with two distinct characteristics: the presence of nucleotide repeats and spacers. Repeated sequences of nucleotides are distributed throughout a CRISPR region with short segments of foreign DNA (spacers) interspersed among the repeated sequences. In the type II CRISPR/Cas system, spacers are integrated within the CRISPR genomic loci and transcribed and processed into short CRISPR RNA (crRNA). These crRNAs anneal to trans-activating crRNAs (tracrRNAs) and direct sequence-specific cleavage and silencing of pathogenic DNA by Cas proteins. Target recognition by the Cas9 protein requires a “seed” sequence within the crRNA and a conserved dinucleotide-containing protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence upstream of the crRNA-binding region. The CRISPR/Cas system can thereby be retargeted to cleave virtually any DNA sequence by redesigning the crRNA. The crRNA and tracrRNA in the native system can be simplified into a single guide RNA (sgRNA) of approximately 100 nucleotides for use in genetic engineering. The CRISPR/Cas system is directly portable to human cells by co-delivery of plasmids expressing the Cas9 endo-nuclease and the necessary crRNA components. Different variants of Cas proteins may be used to reduce targeting limitations (e.g., orthologs of Cas9, such as Cpfl).

Non-limiting examples of genes that may be silenced or inhibited by permanently gene-editing TILs via a CRISPR method include CD39, CD69, PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, HAVCR2 (TIM-3), Cish, TGF0, PKA, CBL-B, PPP2CA, PPP2CB, PTPN6, PTPN22, PDCD1, BTLA, CD160, TIGIT, TET2, CD96, CRTAM, LAIR1, SIGLEC7, SIGLEC9, CD244, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF10A, CASP8, CASP10, CASP3, CASP6, CASP7, FADD, FAS, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, SMAD10, SKI, SKIL, TGIF1, IL10RA, IL10RB, HMOX2, IL6R, IL6ST, EIF2AK4, CSK, PAGI, SIT1, FOXP3, PRDM1, BATF, GUCY1A2, GUCY1A3, GUCYlB2, GUCYlB3, TOX, SOCS1, ANKRD11, and BCOR.

Non-limiting examples of genes that may be enhanced by permanently gene-editing TILs via a CRISPR method include CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CX3CR1, IL-2, IL12, IL-15, and IL-21.

Examples of systems, methods, and compositions for altering the expression of a target gene sequence by a CRISPR method, and which may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,697,359; 8,993,233; 8,795,965; 8,771,945; 8,889,356; 8,865,406; 8,999,641; 8,945,839; 8,932,814; 8,871,445; 8,906,616; and 8,895,308, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. Resources for carrying out CRISPR methods, such as plasmids for expressing CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR/Cpfl, are commercially available from companies such as GenScript.

In some embodiments, genetic modifications of populations of TILs, as described herein, may be performed using the CRISPR/Cpfl system as described in U.S. Patent No. U.S. Pat. No. 9,790,490, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

A method for expanding TILs into a therapeutic population may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein (e.g., Gen 2) or as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2020/0299644 A1 and US 2020/0121719 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 10,925,900, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein, wherein the method further comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs by a TALE method. According to particular embodiments, the use of a TALE method during the TIL expansion process causes expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes to be silenced or reduced in at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs. Alternatively, the use of a TALE method during the TIL expansion process causes expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes to be enhanced in at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs.

TALE stands for transcription activator-like effector proteins, which include transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). A method of using a TALE system for gene editing may also be referred to herein as a TALE method. TALEs are naturally occurring proteins from the plant pathogenic bacteria genus Xanthomonas, and contain DNA-binding domains composed of a series of 33-35-amino-acid repeat domains that each recognizes a single base pair. TALE specificity is determined by two hypervariable amino acids that are known as the repeat-variable di-residues (RVDs). Modular TALE repeats are linked together to recognize contiguous DNA sequences. A specific RVD in the DNA-binding domain recognizes a base in the target locus, providing a structural feature to assemble predictable DNA-binding domains. The DNA binding domains of a TALE are fused to the catalytic domain of a type IIS FokI endonuclease to make a targetable TALE nuclease. To induce site-specific mutation, two individual TALEN arms, separated by a 14-20 base pair spacer region, bring FokI monomers in close proximity to dimerize and produce a targeted double-strand break.

Several large, systematic studies utilizing various assembly methods have indicated that TALE repeats can be combined to recognize virtually any user-defined sequence. Custom-designed TALE arrays are also commercially available through Cellectis Bioresearch (Paris, France), Transposagen Biopharmaceuticals (Lexington, KY, USA), and Life Technologies (Grand Island, NY, USA). TALE and TALEN methods suitable for use in the present invention are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2011/0201118 A1; US 2013/0117869 A1; US 2013/0315884 A1; US 2015/0203871 A1 and US 2016/0120906 A1, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Non-limiting examples of genes that may be silenced or inhibited by permanently gene-editing TILs via a TALE method include CD39, CD69, PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, HAVCR2 (TIM-3), Cish, TGF0, PKA, CBL-B, PPP2CA, PPP2CB, PTPN6, PTPN22, PDCD1, BTLA, CD160, TIGIT, TET2, CD96, CRTAM, LAIR1, SIGLEC7, SIGLEC9, CD244, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF10A, CASP8, CASP10, CASP3, CASP6, CASP7, FADD, FAS, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, SMAD10, SKI, SKIL, TGIF1, IL10RA, IL10RB, HMOX2, IL6R, IL6ST, EIF2AK4, CSK, PAGI, SIT1, FOXP3, PRDM1, BATF, GUCY1A2, GUCY1A3, GUCYlB2, GUCYlB3, TOX, SOCS1, ANKRD11, and BCOR.

Non-limiting examples of genes that may be enhanced by permanently gene-editing TILs via a TALE method include CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CX3CR1, IL-2, IL12, IL-15, and IL-21.

Examples of systems, methods, and compositions for altering the expression of a target gene sequence by a TALE method, and which may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,586,526, which is incorporated by reference herein.

A method for expanding TILs into a therapeutic population may be carried out in accordance with any embodiment of the methods described herein or as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2020/0299644 A1 and US 2020/0121719 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 10,925,900, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein, wherein the method further comprises gene-editing at least a portion of the TILs by a zinc finger or zinc finger nuclease method. According to particular embodiments, the use of a zinc finger method during the TIL expansion process causes expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes to be silenced or reduced in at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs. Alternatively, the use of a zinc finger method during the TIL expansion process causes expression of one or more immune checkpoint genes to be enhanced in at least a portion of the therapeutic population of TILs.

An individual zinc finger contains approximately 30 amino acids in a conserved ββα configuration. Several amino acids on the surface of the a-helix typically contact 3 bp in the major groove of DNA, with varying levels of selectivity. Zinc fingers have two protein domains. The first domain is the DNA binding domain, which includes eukaryotic transcription factors and contain the zinc finger. The second domain is the nuclease domain, which includes the FokI restriction enzyme and is responsible for the catalytic cleavage of DNA.

The DNA-binding domains of individual ZFNs typically contain between three and six individual zinc finger repeats and can each recognize between 9 and 18 base pairs. If the zinc finger domains are specific for their intended target site then even a pair of 3-finger ZFNs that recognize a total of 18 base pairs can, in theory, target a single locus in a mammalian genome. One method to generate new zinc-finger arrays is to combine smaller zinc-finger “modules” of known specificity. The most common modular assembly process involves combining three separate zinc fingers that can each recognize a 3 base pair DNA sequence to generate a 3-finger array that can recognize a 9 base pair target site.

Alternatively, selection-based approaches, such as oligomerized pool engineering (OPEN) can be used to select for new zinc-finger arrays from randomized libraries that take into consideration context-dependent interactions between neighboring fingers. Engineered zinc fingers are available commercially from Sangamo Biosciences (Richmond, CA, USA) and Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA).

Non-limiting examples of genes that may be silenced or inhibited by permanently gene-editing TILs via a zinc finger method include CD39, CD69, PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, HAVCR2 (TIM-3), Cish, TGFβ, PKA, CBL-B, PPP2CA, PPP2CB, PTPN6, PTPN22, PDCD1, BTLA, CD160, TIGIT, TET2, CD96, CRTAM, LAIR1, SIGLEC7, SIGLEC9, CD244, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF10A, CASP8, CASP10, CASP3, CASP6, CASP7, FADD, FAS, SMAD2, SMAD3, SMAD4, SMAD10, SKI, SKIL, TGIF1, IL10RA, IL10RB, HMOX2, IL6R, IL6ST, EIF2AK4, CSK, PAGI, SIT1, FOXP3, PRDM1, BATF, GUCY1A2, GUCY1A3, GUCYlB2, GUCYlB3, TOX, SOCS1, ANKRD11, and BCOR.

Non-limiting examples of genes that may be enhanced by permanently gene-editing TILs via a zinc finger method include CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CX3CR1, IL-2, IL12, IL-15, and IL-21.

Examples of systems, methods, and compositions for altering the expression of a target gene sequence by a zinc finger method, which may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,534,261, 6,607,882, 6,746,838, 6,794,136, 6,824,978, 6,866,997, 6,933,113, 6,979,539, 7,013,219, 7,030,215, 7,220,719, 7,241,573, 7,241,574, 7,585,849, 7,595,376, 6,903,185, and 6,479,626, each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Other examples of systems, methods, and compositions for altering the expression of a target gene sequence by a zinc finger method, which may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, are described in Beane, et al., Mol. Therapy, 2015, 23, 1380-1390, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, the TILs are optionally genetically engineered to include additional functionalities, including, but not limited to, a high-affinity TCR, e.g., a TCR targeted at a tumor-associated antigen such as MAGE-1, HER2, or NY-ESO-1, or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) which binds to a tumor-associated cell surface molecule (e.g., mesothelin) or lineage-restricted cell surface molecule (e.g., CD19). In some embodiments, the genetic engineering may be employed to genetically edit TILs, including knockout of specific target genes such as the genes that code for PD-1 and CTLA-4 or CD39 and CD69. In certain embodiments, the method comprises genetically engineering a population of TILs to include a high-affinity TCR, e.g., a TCR targeted at a tumor-associated antigen such as MAGE-1, HER2, or NY-ESO-1, or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) which binds to a tumor-associated cell surface molecule (e.g., mesothelin) or lineage-restricted cell surface molecule (e.g., CD19). Aptly, the population of TILs may be a first population, a second population and/or a third population as described herein.

E. Closed Systems for TIL Manufacturing

The present invention provides for the use of closed systems during the TIL culturing process. Such closed systems allow for preventing and/or reducing microbial contamination, allow for the use of fewer flasks, and allow for cost reductions. In some embodiments, the closed system uses two containers.

Such closed systems are well-known in the art and can be found, for example, at http://www.fda.gov/cber/guidelines.htm and https://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/GuidanceComplianceRegulatorylnformation/G uidances/Blood/ucm076779.htm.

Sterile connecting devices (STCDs) produce sterile welds between two pieces of compatible tubing. This procedure permits sterile connection of a variety of containers and tube diameters. In some embodiments, the closed systems include luer lock and heat-sealed systems as described in the Examples. In some embodiments, the closed system is accessed via syringes under sterile conditions in order to maintain the sterility and closed nature of the system. In some embodiments, a closed system as described in the examples is employed. In some embodiments, the TILs are formulated into a final product formulation container according to the methods described herein in the examples.

In some embodiments, the closed system uses one container from the time the tumor fragments are obtained until the TILs are ready for administration to the patient or cryopreserving. In some embodiments when two containers are used, the first container is a closed G-container and the population of TILs is centrifuged and transferred to an infusion bag without opening the first closed G-container. In some embodiments, when two containers are used, the infusion bag is a HypoThermosol-containing infusion bag. A closed system or closed TIL cell culture system is characterized in that once the tumor sample and/or tumor fragments have been added, the system is tightly sealed from the outside to form a closed environment free from the invasion of bacteria, fungi, and/or any other microbial contamination.

In some embodiments, the reduction in microbial contamination is between about 5% and about 100%. In some embodiments, the reduction in microbial contamination is between about 5% and about 95%. In some embodiments, the reduction in microbial contamination is between about 5% and about 90%. In some embodiments, the reduction in microbial contamination is between about 10% and about 90%. In some embodiments, the reduction in microbial contamination is between about 15% and about 85%. In some embodiments, the reduction in microbial contamination is about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100%.

The closed system allows for TIL growth in the absence and/or with a significant reduction in microbial contamination.

Moreover, pH, carbon dioxide partial pressure and oxygen partial pressure of the TIL cell culture environment each vary as the cells are cultured. Consequently, even though a medium appropriate for cell culture is circulated, the closed environment still needs to be constantly maintained as an optimal environment for TIL proliferation. To this end, it is desirable that the physical factors of pH, carbon dioxide partial pressure and oxygen partial pressure within the culture liquid of the closed environment be monitored by means of a sensor, the signal whereof is used to control a gas exchanger installed at the inlet of the culture environment, and the that gas partial pressure of the closed environment be adjusted in real time according to changes in the culture liquid so as to optimize the cell culture environment. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a closed cell culture system which incorporates at the inlet to the closed environment a gas exchanger equipped with a monitoring device which measures the pH, carbon dioxide partial pressure and oxygen partial pressure of the closed environment, and optimizes the cell culture environment by automatically adjusting gas concentrations based on signals from the monitoring device.

In some embodiments, the pressure within the closed environment is continuously or intermittently controlled. That is, the pressure in the closed environment can be varied by means of a pressure maintenance device for example, thus ensuring that the space is suitable for growth of TILs in a positive pressure state, or promoting exudation of fluid in a negative pressure state and thus promoting cell proliferation. By applying negative pressure intermittently, moreover, it is possible to uniformly and efficiently replace the circulating liquid in the closed environment by means of a temporary shrinkage in the volume of the closed environment.

In some embodiments, optimal culture components for proliferation of the TILs can be substituted or added, and including factors such as IL-2 and/or OKT3, as well as combination, can be added.

F. Optional Cryopreservation of TILs

Either the bulk TIL population (for example the second population of TILs) or the expanded population of TILs (for example the third population of TILs) can be optionally cryopreserved. In some embodiments, cryopreservation occurs on the therapeutic TIL population. In some embodiments, cryopreservation occurs on the TILs harvested after the second expansion. In some embodiments, cryopreservation occurs on the TILs in exemplary Step F of FIGS. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). In some embodiments, the TILs are cryopreserved in the infusion bag. In some embodiments, the TILs are cryopreserved prior to placement in an infusion bag. In some embodiments, the TILs are cryopreserved and not placed in an infusion bag. In some embodiments, cryopreservation is performed using a cryopreservation medium. In some embodiments, the cryopreservation media contains dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). This is generally accomplished by putting the TIL population into a freezing solution, e.g. 85% complement inactivated AB serum and 15% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The cells in solution are placed into cryogenic vials and stored for 24 hours at −80° C., with optional transfer to gaseous nitrogen freezers for cryopreservation. See, Sadeghi, et al., Acta Oncologica 2013, 52, 978-986.

When appropriate, the cells are removed from the freezer and thawed in a 37° C. water bath until approximately 4/5 of the solution is thawed. The cells are generally resuspended in complete media and optionally washed one or more times. In some embodiments, the thawed TILs can be counted and assessed for viability as is known in the art.

In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cryopreserved using CS10 cryopreservation media (CryoStor 10, BioLife Solutions). In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cryopreserved using a cryopreservation media containing dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cryopreserved using a 1:1 (vol:vol) ratio of CS10 and cell culture media. In some embodiments, a population of TILs is cryopreserved using about a 1:1 (vol:vol) ratio of CS10 and cell culture media, further comprising additional IL-2.

As discussed above, and exemplified in Steps A through E as provided in FIGS. 1 and/or 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), cryopreservation can occur at numerous points throughout the TIL expansion process. In some embodiments, the expanded population of TILs after the first expansion (as provided for example, according to Step B or the expanded population of TILs after the one or more second expansions according to Step D of FIG. 1 or 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) can be cryopreserved. Cryopreservation can be generally accomplished by placing the TIL population into a freezing solution, e.g., 85% complement inactivated AB serum and 15% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The cells in solution are placed into cryogenic vials and stored for 24 hours at −80° C., with optional transfer to gaseous nitrogen freezers for cryopreservation. See Sadeghi, et al., Acta Oncologica 2013, 52, 978-986. In some embodiments, the TILs are cryopreserved in 5% DMSO. In some embodiments, the TILs are cryopreserved in cell culture media plus 5% DMSO. In some embodiments, the TILs are cryopreserved according to the methods provided in Example 6.

When appropriate, the cells are removed from the freezer and thawed in a 37° C. water bath until approximately 4/5 of the solution is thawed. The cells are generally resuspended in complete media and optionally washed one or more times. In some embodiments, the thawed TILs can be counted and assessed for viability as is known in the art.

In some cases, the Step B from FIG. 1 or 8 , (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) TIL population can be cryopreserved immediately, using the protocols discussed below. Alternatively, the bulk TIL population can be subjected to Step C and Step D from FIG. 1 or 8 , (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) and then cryopreserved after Step D from FIG. 1 or 8 , (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). Similarly, in the case where genetically modified TILs will be used in therapy, the Step B or Step D from FIG. 1 or 8 , (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) TIL populations can be subjected to genetic modifications for suitable treatments.

G. Phenotypic Characteristics of Expanded TILs

In some embodiment, the TILs are analyzed for expression of numerous phenotype markers after expansion, including those described herein and in the Examples. In some embodiments, expression of one or more phenotypic markers is examined. In some embodiments, the phenotypic characteristics of the TILs are analyzed after the first expansion in Step B from FIG. 1 or 8 , (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). In some embodiments, the phenotypic characteristics of the TILs are analyzed during the transition in Step C from FIG. 1 or 8 , (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). In some embodiments, the phenotypic characteristics of the TILs are analyzed during the transition according to Step C from FIG. 1 or 8 , (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) and after cryopreservation. In some embodiments, the phenotypic characteristics of the TILs are analyzed after the second expansion according to Step D from FIG. 1 or 8 , (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). In some embodiments, the phenotypic characteristics of the TILs are analyzed after two or more expansions according to Step D from FIG. 1 or 8 , (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G).

In some embodiments, the marker is selected from the group consisting of CD8 and CD28. In some embodiments, expression of CD8 is examined. In some embodiments, expression of CD28 is examined. In some embodiments, the expression of CD8 and/or CD28 is higher on TILs produced according the current invention process, as compared to other processes (e.g., the Gen 3 process as provided for example in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as compared to the 2A process as provided for example in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). In some embodiments, the expression of CD8 is higher on TILs produced according the current invention process, as compared to other processes (e.g., the Gen 3 process as provided for example in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8B), as compared to the 2A process as provided for example in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). In some embodiments, the expression of CD28 is higher on TILs produced according the current invention process, as compared to other processes (e.g., the Gen 3 process as provided for example in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as compared to the 2A process as provided for example in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A)). In some embodiments, high CD28 expression is indicative of a younger, more persistent TIL phenotype. In some embodiments, expression of one or more regulatory markers is measured.

In some embodiments, no selection of the first population of TILs, second population of TILs, third population of TILs, or harvested TIL population based on CD8 and/or CD28 expression is performed during any of the steps for the method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) described herein.

In some embodiments, the percentage of central memory cells is higher on TILs produced according the current invention process, as compared to other processes (e.g., the Gen 3 process as provided for example in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G), as compared to the 2A process as provided for example in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A)). In some embodiments the memory marker for central memory cells is selected from the group consisting of CCR7 and CD62L.

In some embodiments, the CD⁴+ and/or CD⁸+ TIL Memory subsets can be divided into different memory subsets. In some embodiments, the CD⁴+ and/or CD⁸+ TILs comprise the naive (CD45RA+CD62L+) TILs. In some embodiments, the CD⁴+ and/or CD⁸+ TILs comprise the central memory (CM; CD45RA-CD62L+) TILs. In some embodiments, the CD⁴+ and/or CD⁸+ TILs comprise the effector memory (EM; CD45RA-CD62L-) TILs. In some embodiments, the CD⁴+ and/or CD⁸+ TILs comprise the, RA+ effector memory/effector (TEMRA/TEFF; CD45RA+CD62L+) TILs.

In some embodiments, the TILs express one more markers selected from the group consisting of granzyme B, perform, and granulysin. In some embodiments, the TILs express granzyme B. In some embodiments, the TILs express perform. In some embodiments, the TILs express granulysin.

In some embodiments, restimulated TILs can also be evaluated for cytokine release, using cytokine release assays. In some embodiments, TILs can be evaluated for interferon-y (IFN-γ) secretion. In some embodiments, the IFN-γ secretion is measured by an ELISA assay. In some embodiments, the IFN-γ secretion is measured by an ELISA assay after the rapid second expansion step, after Step D as provided in for example, FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). In some embodiments, TIL health is measured by IFN-gamma (IFN-γ) secretion. In some embodiments, IFN-γ secretion is indicative of active TILs. In some embodiments, a potency assay for IFN-γ production is employed. IFN-γ production is another measure of cytotoxic potential. IFN-γ production can be measured by determining the levels of the cytokine IFN-γ in the media of TIL stimulated with antibodies to CD3, CD28, and CD137/4-1BB. IFN-γ levels in media from these stimulated TIL can be determined using by measuring IFN-γ release. In some embodiments, an increase in IFN-γ production in for example Step D in the Gen 3 process as provided in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G) TILs as compared to for example Step D in the 2A process as provided in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A) is indicative of an increase in cytotoxic potential of the Step D TILs. In some embodiments, IFN-γ secretion is increased one-fold, two-fold, three-fold, four-fold, or five-fold or more. In some embodiments, IFN-γ secretion is increased one-fold. In some embodiments, IFN-γ secretion is increased two-fold. In some embodiments, IFN-γ secretion is increased three-fold. In some embodiments, IFN-γ secretion is increased four-fold. In some embodiments, IFN-γ secretion is increased five-fold. In some embodiments, IFN-γ is measured using a Quantikine ELISA kit. In some embodiments, IFN-y is measured in TILs ex vivo. In some embodiments, IFN-γ is measured in TILs ex vivo, including TILs produced by the methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8B methods.

In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least one-fold, two-fold, three-fold, four-fold, or five-fold or more IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least one-fold more IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least two-fold more IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least three-fold more IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least four-fold more IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least five-fold more IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods.

In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 100 μg/mL to about 1000 pg/mL or more IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 200 μg/mL, at least 250 μg/mL, at least 300 μg/mL, at least 350 pg/mL, at least 400 μg/mL, at least 450 μg/mL, at least 500 μg/mL, at least 550 μg/mL, at least 600 μg/mL, at least 650 μg/mL, at least 700 μg/mL, at least 750 μg/mL, at least 800 pg/mL, at least 850 μg/mL, at least 900 μg/mL, at least 950 μg/mL, or at least 1000 μg/mL or more IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 200 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 200 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 300 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 400 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 500 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 600 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 700 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 800 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 900 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 1000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 2000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 3000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 4000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 5000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 6000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 7000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 8000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 9000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 10,000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 15,000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 20,000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 25,000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 30,000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 35,000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 40,000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 45,000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 50,000 μg/mL IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods.

In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 100 pg/mL/5e5 cells to about 1000 pg/mL/5e5 cells or more IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 200 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 250 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 300 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 350 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 400 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 450 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 500 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 550 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 600 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 650 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 700 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 750 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 800 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 850 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 900 pg/mL/5e5 cells, at least 950 pg/mL/5e5 cells, or at least 1000 pg/mL/5e5 cells or more IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 200 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 200 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 300 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 400 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 500 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 600 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 700 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 800 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 900 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 1000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 2000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 3000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 4000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 5000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 6000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 7000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 8000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 9000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 10,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 15,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 20,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 25,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 30,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 35,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 40,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 45,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 50,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods.

The diverse antigen receptors of T and B lymphocytes are produced by somatic recombination of a limited, but large number of gene segments. These gene segments: V (variable), D (diversity), J (joining), and C (constant), determine the binding specificity and downstream applications of immunoglobulins and T-cell receptors (TCRs). The present invention provides a method for generating TILs which exhibit and increase the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, the TILs obtained by the present method exhibit an increase in the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, the TILs obtained by the present method exhibit an increase in the T-cell repertoire diversity as compared to freshly harvested TILs and/or TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including, for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G). In some embodiments, the TILs obtained by the present method exhibit an increase in the T-cell repertoire diversity as compared to freshly harvested TILs and/or TILs prepared using methods referred to as Gen 2, as exemplified in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A). In some embodiments, the TILs obtained in the first expansion exhibit an increase in the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, the increase in diversity is an increase in the immunoglobulin diversity and/or the T-cell receptor diversity. In some embodiments, the diversity is in the immunoglobulin is in the immunoglobulin heavy chain. In some embodiments, the diversity is in the immunoglobulin is in the immunoglobulin light chain. In some embodiments, the diversity is in the T-cell receptor. In some embodiments, the diversity is in one of the T-cell receptors selected from the group consisting of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta receptors. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha and/or beta. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of T-cell receptor (TCR) beta. In some embodiments, there is an increase in the expression of TCRab (i.e., TCRα/β). In some embodiments, the process as described herein (e.g., the Gen 3 process) shows higher clonal diversity as compared to other processes, for example the process referred to as the Gen 2 based on the number of unique peptide CDRs within the sample.

In some embodiments, the activation and exhaustion of TILs can be determined by examining one or more markers. In some embodiments, the activation and exhaustion can be determined using multicolor flow cytometry. In some embodiments, the activation and exhaustion of markers include but not limited to one or more markers selected from the group consisting of CD39, CD69, CD3, PD-1, 2B4/CD244, CD8, CD25, BTLA, KLRG, TIM-3, CD194/CCR4, CD4, TIGIT, CD183, CD69, CD95, CD127, CD103, and/or LAG-3. In some embodiments, the activation and exhaustion of markers include but not limited to one or more markers selected from the group consisting of CD39, CD69, BTLA, CTLA-4, ICOS, Ki67, LAG-3, PD-1, TIGIT, and/or TIM-3. In some embodiments, the activation and exhaustion of markers include but not limited to one or more markers selected from the group consisting of CD39, CD69, BTLA, CTLA-4, ICOS, Ki67, LAG-3, CD103+/CD69+, CD103+/CD69-, PD-1, TIGIT, and/or TIM-3. In some embodiments, the T-cell markers (including activation and exhaustion markers) can be determined and/or analyzed to examine T-cell activation, inhibition, or function. In some embodiments, the T-cell markers can include but are not limited to one or more markers selected from the group consisting of CD39, CD69, TIGIT, CD3, FoxP3, Tim-3, PD-1, CD103, CTLA-4, LAG-3, BTLA-4, ICOS, Ki67, CD8, CD25, CD45, CD4, and/or CD59.

In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 3000 pg/10⁶ TILs to 300000 pg/10⁶ TILs or more Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 3000 pg/10⁶ TILs greater than 5000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 7000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 9000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 11000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 13000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 15000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 17000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 19000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 20000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 40000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 60000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 80000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 100000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 120000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 140000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 160000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 180000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 200000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 220000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 240000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 260000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 280000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 300000 pg/10⁶ TILs or more Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 3000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 5000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 7000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 9000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 11000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 13000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 15000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 17000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 19000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 20000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 40000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 60000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 80000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 100000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 120000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 140000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 160000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 180000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 200000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 220000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 240000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G.

In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 260000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 280000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 300000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 3000 pg/10⁶ TILs to 300000 pg/10⁶ TILs or more Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G.

In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 3000 pg/10⁶ TILs greater than 5000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 7000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 9000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 11000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 13000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 15000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 17000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 19000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 20000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 40000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 60000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 80000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 100000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 120000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 140000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 160000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 180000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 200000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 220000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 240000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 260000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 280000 pg/10⁶ TILs, greater than 300000 pg/10⁶ TILs or more Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 3000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 5000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 7000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 9000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 11000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 13000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 15000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 17000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 19000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 20000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 40000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 60000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 80000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 100000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 120000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 140000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 160000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 180000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 200000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 220000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 240000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 260000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 280000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 300000 pg/10⁶ TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G.

In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 1000 μg/mL to 300000 pg/mL or more Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 1000 μg/mL, greater than 2000 μg/mL, greater than 3000 μg/mL, greater than 4000 μg/mL, greater than 5000 μg/mL, greater than 6000 μg/mL, greater than 7000 μg/mL, greater than 8000 μg/mL, greater than 9000 μg/mL, greater than 10000 μg/mL, greater than 20000 μg/mL, greater than 30000 μg/mL, greater than 40000 μg/mL, greater than 50000 μg/mL, greater than 60000 μg/mL, greater than 70000 μg/mL, greater than 80000 pg/mL, greater than 90000 μg/mL, greater than 100000 μg/mL or more Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 1000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 2000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 3000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 4000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 5000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 6000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 7000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 8000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 9000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 10000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 20000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 30000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 40000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 50000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 60000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 70000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 80000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 90000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 100000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 120000 pg/mL Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 140000 pg/mL Granzyme B are TILs Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 160000 pg/mL Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 180000 pg/mL Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 200000 pg/mL Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 220000 pg/mL Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 240000 pg/mL Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 260000 pg/mL Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 280000 pg/mL Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G. In some embodiments, TILs that exhibit greater than 300000 pg/mL Granzyme B secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G.

In some embodiments, the expansion methods of the present invention produce an expanded population of TILs that exhibits increased Granzyme B secretion in vitro including for example TILs as provided in FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G, as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least one-fold to fifty-fold or more as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, IFN-γ secretion is increased by at least one-fold, at least two-fold, at least three-fold, at least four-fold, at least five-fold, at least six-fold, at least seven-fold, at least eight-fold, at least nine-fold, at least ten-fold, at least twenty-fold, at least thirty-fold, at least forty-fold, at least fifty-fold or more as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least one-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least two-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least three-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least four-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least five-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least six-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least seven-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least eight-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least nine-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least ten-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least twenty-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least thirty-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least forty-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs. In some embodiments, Granzyme B secretion of the expanded population of TILs of the present invention is increased by at least fifty-fold as compared to non-expanded population of TILs.

In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least one-fold, two-fold, three-fold, four-fold, or five-fold or more lower levels of TNF-α (i.e., TNF-alpha) secretion as compared to IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least one-fold lower levels of TNF-α secretion as compared to IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least two-fold lower levels of TNF-α secretion as compared to IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least three-fold lower levels of TNF-α secretion as compared to IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least four-fold lower levels of TNF-α secretion as compared to IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least five-fold lower levels of TNF-α secretion as compared to IFN-γ secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods.

In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 200 pg/mL/5e5 cells to about 10,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells or more TNF-α (i.e., TNF-alpha) secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 500 pg/mL/5e5 cells to about 10,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells or more TNF-α secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 1000 pg/mL/5e5 cells to about 10,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells or more TNF-α secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 2000 pg/mL/5e5 cells to about 10,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells or more TNF-α secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 3000 pg/mL/5e5 cells to about 10,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells or more TNF-α secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 4000 pg/mL/5e5 cells to about 10,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells or more TNF-α secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 5000 pg/mL/5e5 cells to about 10,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells or more TNF-α secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 6000 pg/mL/5e5 cells to about 10,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells or more TNF-α secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 7000 pg/mL/5e5 cells to about 10,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells or more TNF-α secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 8000 pg/mL/5e5 cells to about 10,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells or more TNF-α secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, TILs capable of at least 9000 pg/mL/5e5 cells to about 10,000 pg/mL/5e5 cells or more TNF-α secretion are TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods.

In some embodiments, IFN-γ and granzyme B levels are measured to determine the phenotypic characteristics of the TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, IFN-γ and TNF-α levels are measured to determine the phenotypic characteristics of the TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, granzyme B and TNF-α levels are measured to determine the phenotypic characteristics of the TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods. In some embodiments, IFN-γ, granzyme B and TNF-α levels are measured to determine the phenotypic characteristics of the TILs produced by the expansion methods of the present invention, including, for example FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G methods.

In some embodiments, the phenotypic characterization is examined after cryopreservation.

H. Additional Process Embodiments

In some embodiments, the invention provides a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprising: (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected from a subject by processing a tumor sample obtained from the subject into multiple tumor fragments and separating from the first population of TILs a CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO)population of TILs; (b) performing a priming first expansion by culturing the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, and OKT-3, wherein the priming first expansion is performed for about 1 to 7 days or about 1 to 8 days to obtain the second population of TILs, wherein the second population of TILs is greater in number than the first of TILs; (c) performing a rapid second expansion by contacting the second population of TILs with a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and exogenous antigen presenting cells (APCs) to produce a third population of TILs, wherein the rapid second expansion is performed for about 1 to 11 days or about 1 to 10 days to obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third population of TILs is a therapeutic population of TILs; and (d) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from step (c). In some embodiments, the step of rapid second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling up of the culture by: (1) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the second population of TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, or about 2 to 4 days, and then (2) effecting the transfer of the second population of TILs from the small scale culture to a second container larger than the first container, e.g., a G-REX 500MCS container, wherein in the second container the second population of TILs from the small scale culture is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days, or about 4 to 8 days. In some embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out of the culture by: (1) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the second population of TILs in a first small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (2) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the second population of TILs from the first small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are equal in size to the first container, wherein in each second container the portion of the second population of TILs from the first small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a second small scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days, or about 4 to 8 days. In some embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (1) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the second population of TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, or about 2 to 4 days, and then (2) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the second population of TILs from the first small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX 500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the second population of TILs transferred from the small scale culture to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days, or about 4 to 8 days. In some embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (1) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the second population of TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (2) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the second population of TILs from the first small scale culture into and amongst 2, 3 or 4 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX 500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the second population of TILs transferred from the small scale culture to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 5 to 7 days.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprising: (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected from a subject by processing a tumor sample obtained from the subject into multiple tumor fragments and separating from the first population of TILs a CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO)population of TILs; (b) performing a priming first expansion by culturing the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, and OKT-3, wherein the priming first expansion is performed for about 1 to 8 days to obtain the second population of TILs, wherein the second population of TILs is greater in number than the first population of TILs; (c) performing a rapid second expansion by contacting the second population of TILs with a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and exogenous antigen presenting cells (APCs) to produce a third population of TILs, wherein the rapid second expansion is performed for about 1 to 8 days to obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third population of TILs is a therapeutic population of TILs; and (d) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from step (c). In some embodiments, the step of rapid second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling up of the culture by: (1) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the second population of TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 2 to 4 days, and then (2) effecting the transfer of the second population of TILs from the small scale culture to a second container larger than the first container, e.g., a G-REX 500MCS container, wherein in the second container the second population of TILs from the small scale culture is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 4 to 8 days. In some embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out of the culture by: (1) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the second population of TILs in a first small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 2 to 4 days, and then (2) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the second population of TILs from the first small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are equal in size to the first container, wherein in each second container the portion of the second population of TILs from the first small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a second small scale culture for a period of about 4 to 6 days. In some embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (1) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the second population of TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 2 to 4 days, and then (2) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the second population of TILs from the first small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX 500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the second population of TILs transferred from the small scale culture to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 4 to 6 days. In some embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (1) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the second population of TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (2) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the second population of TILs from the first small scale culture into and amongst 2, 3 or 4 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX 500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the second population of TILs transferred from the small scale culture to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 4 to 5 days.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprising: (a) obtaining a first population of TILs from a tumor resected from a subject by processing a tumor sample obtained from the subject into multiple tumor fragments and separating from the first population of TILs a CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO)population of TILs; (b) performing a priming first expansion by culturing the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, and OKT-3, wherein the priming first expansion is performed for about 1 to 7 days to obtain the second population of TILs, wherein the second population of TILs is greater in number than the first population of TILs; (c) performing a rapid second expansion by contacting the second population of TILs with a cell culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and exogenous antigen presenting cells (APCs) to produce a third population of TILs, wherein the rapid second expansion is performed for about 1 to 11 days to obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third population of TILs is a therapeutic population of TILs; and (d) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from step (c). In some embodiments, the step of rapid second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling up of the culture by: (1) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the second population of TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (2) effecting the transfer of the second population of TILs from the small scale culture to a second container larger than the first container, e.g., a G-REX 500MCS container, wherein in the second container the second population of TILs from the small scale culture is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days. In some embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out of the culture by: (1) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the second population of TILs in a first small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (2) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the second population of TILs from the first small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are equal in size to the first container, wherein in each second container the portion of the second population of TILs from the first small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a second small scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days. In some embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (1) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the second population of TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (2) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the second population of TILs from the first small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX 500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the second population of TILs transferred from the small scale culture to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days. In some embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (1) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the second population of TILs in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 4 days, and then (2) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the second population of TILs from the first small scale culture into and amongst 2, 3 or 4 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX-g500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the second population of TILs transferred from the small scale culture to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 5 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by contacting the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with a culture medium which further comprises exogenous antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs in the culture medium in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs in the culture medium in step (b).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (c) the culture medium is supplemented with additional exogenous APCs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 20:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 10:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 9:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 8:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 7:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 6:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 5:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 4:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 3:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.9:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.8:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.7:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.6:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.5:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.4:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.3:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.2:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2.1:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 1.1:1 to at or about 2:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 10:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 5:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 4:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 3:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.9:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.8:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.7:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.6:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.5:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.4:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.3:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.2:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is selected from a range of from at or about 2:1 to at or about 2.1:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is at or about 2:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion to the number of APCs added in step (b) is at or about 1.1:1, 1.2:1, 1.3:1, 1.4:1, 1.5:1, 1.6:1, 1.7:1, 1.8:1, 1.9:1, 2:1, 2.1:1, 2.2:1, 2.3:1, 2.4:1, 2.5:1, 2.6:1, 2.7:1, 2.8:1, 2.9:1, 3:1, 3.1:1, 3.2:1, 3.3:1, 3.4:1, 3.5:1, 3.6:1, 3.7:1, 3.8:1, 3.9:1, 4:1, 4.1:1, 4.2:1, 4.3:1, 4.4:1, 4.5:1, 4.6:1, 4.7:1, 4.8:1, 4.9:1, or 5:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the number of APCs added in the primary first expansion is at or about 1×10⁸, 1.1×10⁸, 1.2×10⁸, 1.3×10⁸, 1.4×10⁸, 1.5×10⁸, 1.6×10⁸, 1.7×10⁸, 1.8×10⁸, 1.9×10⁸, 2×10⁸, 2.1×10, 2.2×10⁸, 2.3×10⁸, 2.4×10⁸, 2.5×10⁸, 2.6×10⁸, 2.7×10⁸, 2.8×10⁸, 2.9×10⁸, 3×10⁸, 3.1×10, 3.2×10⁸, 3.3×10⁸, 3.4×10⁸ or 3.5×10⁸ APCs, and such that the number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion is at or about 3.5×10⁸, 3.6×10⁸, 3.7×10⁸, 3.8×10⁸, 3.9×10⁸, 4×10⁸, 4.1×10⁸, 4.2×10⁸, 4.3×10⁸, 4.4×10⁸, 4.5×10⁸, 4.6×10⁸, 4.7×10⁸, 4.8×10⁸, 4.9×10⁸, 5×10⁸, 5.1×10⁸, 5.2×10⁸, 5.3×10⁸, 5.4×10⁸, 5.5×10⁸, 5.6×10⁸, 5.7×10⁸, 5.8×10⁸, 5.9×10⁸, 6×10⁸, 6.1×10⁸, 6.2×10⁸, 6.3×10⁸, 6.4×10⁸, 6.5×10⁸, 6.6×10⁸, 6.7×10⁸, 6.8×10⁸, 6.9×10⁸, 7×10⁸, 7.1×10⁸, 7.2×10⁸, 7.3×10⁸, 7.4×10⁸, 7.5×10⁸, 7.6×10⁸, 7.7×10⁸, 7.8×10⁸, 7.9×10⁸, 8×10⁸, 8.1×10⁸, 8.2×10⁸, 8.3×10⁸, 8.4×10⁸, 8.5×10⁸, 8.6×10⁸, 8.7×10⁸, 8.8×10⁸, 8.9×10⁸, 9×10⁸, 9.1×10⁸, 9.2×10⁸, 9.3×10⁸, 9.4×10⁸, 9.5×10⁸, 9.6×10⁸, 9.7×10⁸, 9.8×10⁸, 9.9×10⁸ or 1×10⁹ APCs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the number of APCs added in the primary first expansion is selected from the range of at or about 1×10⁸ APCs to at or about 3.5×10⁸ APCs, and wherein the number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion is selected from the range of at or about 3.5×10⁸ APCs to at or about 1×10⁹ APCs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the number of APCs added in the primary first expansion is selected from the range of at or about 1.5×10⁸ APCs to at or about 3×10⁸ APCs, and wherein the number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion is selected from the range of at or about 4×10⁸ APCs to at or about 7.5×10⁸ APCs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the number of APCs added in the primary first expansion is selected from the range of at or about 2×10⁸ APCs to at or about 2.5×10⁸ APCs, and wherein the number of APCs added in the rapid second expansion is selected from the range of at or about 4.5×10⁸ APCs to at or about 5.5×10⁸ APCs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that at or about 2.5×10⁸ APCs are added to the primary first expansion and at or about 5×10⁸ APCs are added to the rapid second expansion.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the antigen-presenting cells are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple tumor fragments are distributed into a plurality of separate containers, in each of which separate containers the first population of TILs is obtained in step (a), the second population of TILs is obtained in step (b), and the third population of TILs is obtained in step (c), and the therapeutic populations of TILs from the plurality of containers in step (c) are combined to yield the harvested TIL population from step (d).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple tumors are evenly distributed into the plurality of separate containers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the plurality of separate containers comprises at least two separate containers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the plurality of separate containers comprises from two to twenty separate containers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the plurality of separate containers comprises from two to fifteen separate containers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the plurality of separate containers comprises from two to ten separate containers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the plurality of separate containers comprises from two to five separate containers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the plurality of separate containers comprises 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 separate containers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that for each container in which the priming first expansion is performed on a first population of TILs in step (b) the rapid second expansion in step (c) is performed in the same container on the second population of TILs produced from such first population of TILs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each of the separate containers comprises a first gas-permeable surface area.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple tumor fragments are distributed in a single container.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the single container comprises a first gas-permeable surface area.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that for each container in which the priming first expansion is performed on a CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs in step (b) the rapid second expansion in step (c) is performed in the same container on the second population of TILs produced from such CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein in step (b) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about one cell layer to at or about three cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 1.5 cell layers to at or about 2.5 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 2 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 or 3 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (c) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 3 cell layers to at or about 10 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (c) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 4 cell layers to at or about 8 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (c) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (c) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 or 8 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the priming first expansion is performed in a first container comprising a first gas-permeable surface area and in step (c) the rapid second expansion is performed in a second container comprising a second gas-permeable surface area.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the second container is larger than the first container.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein in step (b) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about one cell layer to at or about three cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 1.5 cell layers to at or about 2.5 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 2 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable modified such that in step (b) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 or 3 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (c) the APCs are layered onto the second gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 3 cell layers to at or about 10 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (c) the APCs are layered onto the second gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 4 cell layers to at or about 8 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (c) the APCs are layered onto the second gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable modified such that in step (c) the APCs are layered onto the second gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 or 8 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the priming first expansion is performed in a first container comprising a first gas-permeable surface area and in step (c) the rapid second expansion is performed in the first container.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein in step (b) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about one cell layer to at or about three cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 1.5 cell layers to at or about 2.5 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 2 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 or 3 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (c) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 3 cell layers to at or about 10 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (c) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 4 cell layers to at or about 8 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (c) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (c) the APCs are layered onto the first gas-permeable surface area at an average thickness of at or about 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 or 8 cell layers.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:10.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:9.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:8.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:7.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:6.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:5.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:4.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:3.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:2.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.2 to at or about 1:8.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.3 to at or about 1:7.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.4 to at or about 1:6.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.5 to at or about 1:5.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.6 to at or about 1:4.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.7 to at or about 1:3.5.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.8 to at or about 1:3.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the first population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.9 to at or about 1:2.5.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:2.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from at or about 1:1.1, 1:1.2, 1:1.3, 1:1.4, 1:1.5, 1:1.6, 1:1.7, 1:1.8, 1:1.9, 1:2, 1:2.1, 1:2.2, 1:2.3, 1:2.4, 1:2.5, 1:2.6, 1:2.7, 1:2.8, 1:2.9, 1:3, 1:3.1, 1:3.2, 1:3.3, 1:3.4, 1:3.5, 1:3.6, 1:3.7, 1:3.8, 1:3.9, 1:4, 1:4.1, 1:4.2, 1:4.3, 1:4.4, 1:4.5, 1:4.6, 1:4.7, 1:4.8, 1:4.9, 1:5, 1:5.1, 1:5.2, 1:5.3, 1:5.4, 1:5.5, 1:5.6, 1:5.7, 1:5.8, 1:5.9, 1:6, 1:6.1, 1:6.2, 1:6.3, 1:6.4, 1:6.5, 1:6.6, 1:6.7, 1:6.8, 1:6.9, 1:7, 1:7.1, 1:7.2, 1:7.3, 1:7.4, 1:7.5, 1:7.6, 1:7.7, 1:7.8, 1:7.9, 1:8, 1:8.1, 1:8.2, 1:8.3, 1:8.4, 1:8.5, 1:8.6, 1:8.7, 1:8.8, 1:8.9, 1:9, 1:9.1, 1:9.2, 1:9.3, 1:9.4, 1:9.5, 1:9.6, 1:9.7, 1:9.8, 1:9.9 or 1:10.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:10.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:9.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:8.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:7.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:6.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:5.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:4.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:3.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.1 to at or about 1:2.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.2 to at or about 1:8.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.3 to at or about 1:7.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.4 to at or about 1:6.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.5 to at or about 1:5.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.6 to at or about 1:4.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.7 to at or about 1:3.5.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.8 to at or about 1:3.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:1.9 to at or about 1:2.5.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from the range of at or about 1:2.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the primary first expansion is performed by supplementing the cell culture medium of the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs with additional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the number of APCs added in step (c) is greater than the number of APCs added in step (b), and wherein the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered in step (c) is selected from at or about 1:1.1, 1:1.2, 1:1.3, 1:1.4, 1:1.5, 1:1.6, 1:1.7, 1:1.8, 1:1.9, 1:2, 1:2.1, 1:2.2, 1:2.3, 1:2.4, 1:2.5, 1:2.6, 1:2.7, 1:2.8, 1:2.9, 1:3, 1:3.1, 1:3.2, 1:3.3, 1:3.4, 1:3.5, 1:3.6, 1:3.7, 1:3.8, 1:3.9, 1:4, 1:4.1, 1:4.2, 1:4.3, 1:4.4, 1:4.5, 1:4.6, 1:4.7, 1:4.8, 1:4.9, 1:5, 1:5.1, 1:5.2, 1:5.3, 1:5.4, 1:5.5, 1:5.6, 1:5.7, 1:5.8, 1:5.9, 1:6, 1:6.1, 1:6.2, 1:6.3, 1:6.4, 1:6.5, 1:6.6, 1:6.7, 1:6.8, 1:6.9, 1:7, 1:7.1, 1:7.2, 1:7.3, 1:7.4, 1:7.5, 1:7.6, 1:7.7, 1:7.8, 1:7.9, 1:8, 1:8.1, 1:8.2, 1:8.3, 1:8.4, 1:8.5, 1:8.6, 1:8.7, 1:8.8, 1:8.9, 1:9, 1:9.1, 1:9.2, 1:9.3, 1:9.4, 1:9.5, 1:9.6, 1:9.7, 1:9.8, 1:9.9 or 1:10.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of the number of TILs in the second population of TILs to the number of TILs in the first population of TILs is at or about 50:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of the number of TILs in the second population of TILs to the number of TILs in the first population of TILs is at or about 25:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of the number of TILs in the second population of TILs to the number of TILs in the first population of TILs is at or about 20:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of the number of TILs in the second population of TILs to the number of TILs in the first population of TILs is at or about 10:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the second population of TILs is at least at or about 50-fold greater in number than the first population of TILs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the second population of TILs is at least at or about 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 11-, 12-, 13-, 14-, 15-, 16-, 17-, 18-, 19-, 20-, 21-, 22-, 23-, 24-, 25-, 26-, 27-, 28-, 29-, 30-, 31-, 32-, 33-, 34-, 35-, 36-, 37-, 38-, 39-, 40-, 41-, 42-, 43-, 44-, 45-, 46-, 47-, 48-, 49- or 50-fold greater in number than the first population of TILs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that at or about 2 days or at or about 3 days after the commencement of the second period in step (c), the cell culture medium is supplemented with additional IL-2.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified to further comprise the step of cryopreserving the harvested TIL population in step (d) using a cryopreservation process.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified to comprise performing after step (d) the additional step of (e) transferring the harvested TIL population from step (d) to an infusion bag that optionally contains HypoThermosol.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified to comprise the step of cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the harvested TIL population in step (e) using a cryopreservation process.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the cryopreservation process is performed using a 1:1 ratio of harvested TIL population to cryopreservation media.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the antigen-presenting cells are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the PBMCs are irradiated and allogeneic.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the total number of APCs added to the cell culture in step (b) is 2.5×10⁸.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the total number of APCs added to the cell culture in step (c) is 5×10⁸.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the APCs are PBMCs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the PBMCs are irradiated and allogeneic.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the antigen-presenting cells are artificial antigen-presenting cells.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the harvesting in step (d) is performed using a membrane-based cell processing system.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the harvesting in step (d) is performed using a LOVO cell processing system.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 5 to at or about 60 fragments per container in step (b).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 10 to at or about 60 fragments per container in step (b).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 15 to at or about 60 fragments per container in step (b).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 20 to at or about 60 fragments per container in step (b).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 25 to at or about 60 fragments per container in step (b).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 30 to at or about 60 fragments per container in step (b).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 35 to at or about 60 fragments per container in step (b).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 40 to at or about 60 fragments per container in step (b).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 45 to at or about 60 fragments per container in step (b).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 50 to at or about 60 fragments per container in step (b).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 or 60 fragment(s) per container in step (b).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each fragment has a volume of at or about 27 mm³.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each fragment has a volume of at or about 20 mm³ to at or about 50 mm³.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each fragment has a volume of at or about 21 mm³ to at or about 30 mm³.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each fragment has a volume of at or about 22 mm³ to at or about 29.5 mm³.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each fragment has a volume of at or about 23 mm³ to at or about 29 mm³.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each fragment has a volume of at or about 24 mm³ to at or about 28.5 mm³.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each fragment has a volume of at or about 25 mm³ to at or about 28 mm³.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each fragment has a volume of at or about 26.5 mm³ to at or about 27.5 mm³.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each fragment has a volume of at or about 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 or 50 mm³.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 30 to at or about 60 fragments with a total volume of at or about 1300 mm³ to at or about 1500 mm³.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 50 fragments with a total volume of at or about 1350 mm³.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the multiple fragments comprise at or about 50 fragments with a total mass of at or about 1 gram to at or about 1.5 grams.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the cell culture medium is provided in a container that is a G-container or a Xuri cellbag.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the IL-2 concentration in the cell culture medium is about 10,000 IU/mL to about 5,000 IU/mL.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the IL-2 concentration in the cell culture medium is about 6,000 IU/mL.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the cryopreservation media comprises dimethlysulfoxide (DMSO).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the cryopreservation media comprises 7% to 10% DMSO.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first period in step (b) is performed within a period of at or about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, or 7 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the second period in step (c) is performed within a period of at or about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days or 11 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first period in step (b) and the second period in step (c) are each individually performed within a period of at or about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, or 7 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first period in step (b) and the second period in step (c) are each individually performed within a period of at or about 5 days, 6 days, or 7 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first period in step (b) and the second period in step (c) are each individually performed within a period of at or about 7 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 14 days to at or about 18 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 15 days to at or about 18 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 16 days to at or about 18 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 17 days to at or about 18 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 14 days to at or about 17 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 15 days to at or about 17 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 16 days to at or about 17 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 14 days to at or about 16 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 15 days to at or about 16 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 14 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 15 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 16 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 17 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 18 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 14 days or less.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 15 days or less.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 16 days or less.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that steps (a) through (d) are performed in a total of at or about 18 days or less.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the therapeutic population of TILs harvested in step (d) comprises sufficient TILs for a therapeutically effective dosage of the TILs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the number of TILs sufficient for a therapeutically effective dosage is from at or about 2.3×10¹⁰ to at or about 13.7×10¹⁰.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the third population of TILs in step (c) provides for increased efficacy, increased interferon-gamma production, and/or increased polyclonality.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the third population of TILs in step (c) provides for at least a one-fold to five-fold or more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process longer than 16 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the third population of TILs in step (c) provides for at least a one-fold to five-fold or more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process longer than 17 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the third population of TILs in step (c) provides for at least a one-fold to five-fold or more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process longer than 18 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the effector T cells and/or central memory T cells obtained from the third population of TILs step (c) exhibit increased CD8 and CD28 expression relative to effector T cells and/or central memory T cells obtained from the second population of cells step (b).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each container recited in the method is a closed container.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each container recited in the method is a G-container.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each container recited in the method is a GREX-10.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each container recited in the method is a GREX-100.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that each container recited in the method is a GREX-500.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the therapeutic population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) made by the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) prepared from tumor tissue of a patient, wherein the therapeutic population of TILs provides for increased efficacy, increased interferon-gamma production, and/or increased polyclonality compared to TILs prepared by a process in which the first expansion of TILs is performed without any added antigen-presenting cells (APCs) or OKT3.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) prepared from tumor tissue of a patient, wherein the therapeutic population of TILs provides for increased efficacy, increased interferon-gamma production, and/or increased polyclonality compared to TILs prepared by a process in which the first expansion of TILs is performed without any added antigen-presenting cells (APCs).

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) prepared from tumor tissue of a patient, wherein the therapeutic population of TILs provides for increased efficacy, increased interferon-gamma production, and/or increased polyclonality compared to TILs prepared by a process in which the first expansion of TILs is performed without any added OKT3.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) prepared from tumor tissue of a patient, wherein the therapeutic population of TILs provides for increased efficacy, increased interferon-gamma production, and/or increased polyclonality compared to TILs prepared by a process in which the first expansion of TILs is performed with no added antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and no added OKT3.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) prepared from tumor tissue of a patient, wherein the therapeutic population of TILs provides for increased efficacy, increased interferon-gamma production, and/or increased polyclonality compared to TILs prepared by a process by a process longer than 16 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) prepared from tumor tissue of a patient, wherein the therapeutic population of TILs provides for increased efficacy, increased interferon-gamma production, and/or increased polyclonality compared to TILs prepared by a process by a process longer than 17 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) prepared from tumor tissue of a patient, wherein the therapeutic population of TILs provides for increased efficacy, increased interferon-gamma production, and/or increased polyclonality compared to TILs prepared by a process by a process longer than 18 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides for the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above that provides for increased interferon-gamma production.

In other embodiments, the invention provides for the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above that provides for increased polyclonality.

In other embodiments, the invention provides for the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above that provides for increased efficacy.

In other embodiments, the invention provides for the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the therapeutic population of TILs is capable of at least one-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process longer than 16 days. In other embodiments, the invention provides for the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the therapeutic population of TILs is capable of at least one-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process longer than 17 days. In other embodiments, the invention provides for the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the therapeutic population of TILs is capable of at least one-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process longer than 18 days. In some embodiments, the TILs are rendered capable of the at least one-fold more interferon-gamma production due to the expansion process described herein, for example as described in Steps A through F above or according to Steps A through F above (also as shown, for example, in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G).

In other embodiments, the invention provides for the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the therapeutic population of TILs is capable of at least two-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process longer than 16 days. In other embodiments, the invention provides for the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the therapeutic population of TILs is capable of at least two-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process longer than 17 days. In other embodiments, the invention provides for the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the therapeutic population of TILs is capable of at least two-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process longer than 18 days. In some embodiments, the TILs are rendered capable of the at least two-fold more interferon-gamma production due to the expansion process described herein, for example as described in Steps A through F above or according to Steps A through F above (also as shown, for example, in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G).

In other embodiments, the invention provides for the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the therapeutic population of TILs is capable of at least three-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process longer than 16 days. In other embodiments, the invention provides for the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the therapeutic population of TILs is capable of at least three-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process longer than 17 days. In other embodiments, the invention provides for the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the therapeutic population of TILs is capable of at least three-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process longer than 18 days. In some embodiments, the TILs are rendered capable of the at least three-fold more interferon-gamma production due to the expansion process described herein, for example as described in Steps A through F above or according to Steps A through F above (also as shown, for example, in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G).

In other embodiments, the invention provides for a therapeutic population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that is capable of at least one-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process in which the first expansion of TILs is performed without any added antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In some embodiments, the TILs are rendered capable of the at least one-fold more interferon-gamma production due to the expansion process described herein, for example as described in Steps A through F above or according to Steps A through F above (also as shown, for example, in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G).

In other embodiments, the invention provides for a therapeutic population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that is capable of at least one-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process in which the first expansion of TILs is performed without any added OKT3. In some embodiments, the TILs are rendered capable of the at least one-fold more interferon-gamma production due to the expansion process described herein, for example as described in Steps A through F above or according to Steps A through F above (also as shown, for example, in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G).

In other embodiments, the invention provides for a therapeutic population of TILs that is capable of at least two-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process in which the first expansion of TILs is performed without any added APCs. In some embodiments, the TILs are rendered capable of the at least two-fold more interferon-gamma production due to the expansion process described herein, for example as described in Steps A through F above or according to Steps A through F above (also as shown, for example, in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G).

In other embodiments, the invention provides for a therapeutic population of TILs that is capable of at least two-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process in which the first expansion of TILs is performed without any added OKT3. In some embodiments, the TILs are rendered capable of the at least two-fold more interferon-gamma production due to the expansion process described herein, for example as described in Steps A through F above or according to Steps A through F above (also as shown, for example, in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G).

In other embodiments, the invention provides for a therapeutic population of TILs that is capable of at least three-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process in which the first expansion of TILs is performed without any added APCs. In some embodiments, the TILs are rendered capable of the at least one-fold more interferon-gamma production due to the expansion process described herein, for example as described in Steps A through F above or according to Steps A through F above (also as shown, for example, in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G).

In other embodiments, the invention provides for a therapeutic population of TILs that is capable of at least three-fold more interferon-gamma production as compared to TILs prepared by a process in which the first expansion of TILs is performed without any added OKT3. In some embodiments, the TILs are rendered capable of the at least three-fold more interferon-gamma production due to the expansion process described herein, for example as described in Steps A through F above or according to Steps A through F above (also as shown, for example, in FIG. 8 (in particular, e.g., FIG. 8A and/or FIG. 8B and/or FIG. 8C and/or FIG. 8D and/or FIG. 8E and/or FIG. 8F and/or FIG. 8G).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the tumor fragments are small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy), core biopsies, core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirates.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the tumor fragments are core biopsies.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the tumor fragments are fine needle aspirates.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the tumor fragments are small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the tumor fragments are core needle biopsies.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that (i) the method comprises obtaining the first population of TILs from one or more small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy), core biopsies, core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the subject, (ii) the method comprises performing the step of culturing the first population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 for a period of about 3 days prior to performing the step of the priming first expansion, (iii) the method comprises performing the priming first expansion for a period of about 8 days, and (iv) the method comprises performing the rapid second expansion for a period of about 11 days. In some of the foregoing embodiments, the steps of the method are completed in about 22 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that (i) the method comprises obtaining the first population of TILs from one or more small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy), core biopsies, core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the subject, (ii) the method comprises performing the step of culturing the first population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 for a period of about 3 days prior to performing the step of the priming first expansion, (iii) the method comprises performing the priming first expansion for a period of about 8 days, and (iv) the method comprises performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the culture of the second population of TILs for about 5 days, splitting the culture into up to 5 subcultures and culturing the subcultures for about 6 days. In some of the foregoing embodiments, the up to 5 subcultures are each cultured in a container that is the same size or larger than the container in which the culture of the second population of TILs is commenced in the rapid second expansion. In some of the foregoing embodiments, the culture of the second population of TILs is equally divided amongst the up to 5 subcultures. In some of the foregoing embodiments, the steps of the method are completed in about 22 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1 to about 20 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy), core biopsies, core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1 to about 10 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy), core biopsies, core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy), core biopsies, core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy), core biopsies, core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1 to about 20 core biopsies of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1 to about 10 core biopsies of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 core biopsies of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 core biopsies of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1 to about 20 fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1 to about 10 fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1 to about 20 core needle biopsies of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1 to about 10 core needle biopsies of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 core needle biopsies of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 core needle biopsies of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1 to about 20 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy) of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1 to about 10 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy) of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy) of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of TILs is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy) of tumor tissue from the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that (i) the method comprises obtaining the first population of TILs from 1 to about 10 core biopsies of tumor tissue from the subject, (ii) the method comprises performing the step of culturing the first population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 for a period of about 3 days prior to performing the step of separating the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO)population of TILs front the first population of TILs, (iii) the method comprises performing the priming first expansion step by culturing the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs in a culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and antigen presenting cells (APCs) for a period of about 8 days to obtain the second population of TILs, and (iv) the method comprises performing the rapid second expansion step by culturing the second population of TILs in a culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and APCs for a period of about 11 days. In some of the foregoing embodiments, the steps of the method are completed in about 22 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that (i) the method comprises obtaining the first population of TILs from 1 to about 10 core biopsies of tumor tissue from the subject, (ii) the method comprises performing the step of culturing the first population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 for a period of about 3 days prior to performing the step of separating the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs from the first population of TILs, (iii) the method comprises performing the priming first expansion step by culturing the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs in a culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and antigen presenting cells (APCs) for a period of about 8 days to obtain the second population of TILs, and (iv) the method comprises performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the culture of the second population of TILs in a culture medium comprising IL-2, OKT-3 and APCs for about 5 days, splitting the culture into up to 5 subcultures and culturing each of the subcultures in a culture medium comprising IL-2 for about 6 days. In some of the foregoing embodiments, the up to 5 subcultures are each cultured in a container that is the same size or larger than the container in which the culture of the second population of TILs is commenced in the rapid second expansion. In some of the foregoing embodiments, the culture of the second population of TILs is equally divided amongst the up to 5 subcultures. In some of the foregoing embodiments, the steps of the method are completed in about 22 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that (i) the method comprises obtaining the first population of TILs from 1 to about 10 core biopsies of tumor tissue from the subject, (ii) the method comprises performing the step of culturing the first population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising 6000 IU IL-2/mL in 0.5 L of CM1 culture medium in a G-REX-100M flask for a period of about 3 days prior to performing the step of separating the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs front the first population of TILs, (iii) the method comprises performing the priming first expansion by adding 0.5 L of CM1 culture medium containing 6000 IU/mL IL-2, 30 ng/mL OKT-3, and about 10⁸ feeder cells to the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs and culturing for a period of about 8 days to produce the second population of TILs, and (iv) the method comprises performing the rapid second expansion by (a) transferring the second population of TILs to a G-REX 500MCS flask containing 5 L of CM2 culture medium with 3000 IU/mL IL-2, 30 ng/mL OKT-3, and 5×10⁹ feeder cells and culturing for about 5 days (b) splitting the culture into up to 5 subcultures by transferring 10⁹ TILs into each of up to 5 G-REX 500MCS flasks containing 5 L of AIM-V medium with 3000 IU/mL IL-2, and culturing the subcultures for about 6 days. In some of the foregoing embodiments, the steps of the method are completed in about 22 days.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that (a) after the step of obtaining the tumor sample from the subject (i) the bulk TILs, or first population of TILs, in the tumor sample is/are cultured in a cell culture medium containing IL-2 to produce TILs that egress from the tumor fragments or sample, (ii) at least a plurality of TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample is/are separated from the tumor fragments or sample to produce a mixture of the tumor fragments or sample, TILs remaining in the tumor fragments or sample, and any TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample and remained therewith after the separation, (iii) the mixture of the tumor fragments or sample, TILs remaining in the tumor fragments or sample, and any TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample and remained therewith after the separation, is/are digested to produce a digest of such mixture and (iv) a CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs is separated from the digest of such mixture; and (b) the priming first expansion is performed by culturing the CD39/CD69 double negative and/or CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) population of TILs. In some embodiments, at least about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%6, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more of TILs that egressed from the tumor fragments or sample are separated from the tumor fragments or sample to produce the mixture.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of culturing before the priming first expansion is performed for a period of about 1 day to about 3 days.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of culturing before the priming first expansion is performed for a period of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of culturing before the PD-1 preselection step is performed for a period of about 1 day to about 3 days.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of culturing before the PD-1 preselection step is performed for a period of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of culturing before the CD39 and CD69 preselection step is performed for a period of about 1 day to about 3 days.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of culturing before the CD39 and CD69 preselection step is performed for a period of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a method of expanding T cells comprising: (a) performing a priming first expansion of a first population of T cells obtained from a donor by culturing the first population of T cells to effect growth and to prime an activation of the first population of T cells; (b) after the activation of the first population of T cells primed in step (a) begins to decay, performing a rapid second expansion of the first population of T cells by culturing the first population of T cells to effect growth and to boost the activation of the first population of T cells to obtain a second population of T cells; and (c) harvesting the second population of T cells. In other embodiments, the step of rapid second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the first population of T cells in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture to a second container larger than the first container, e.g., a G-REX-500MCS container, and culturing the first population of T cells from the small scale culture in a larger scale culture in the second container for a period of about 4 to 7 days. In other embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the first population of T cells in a first small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the first population of T cells from the first small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are equal in size to the first container, wherein in each second container the portion of the first population of T cells from first small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a second small scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days. In other embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the first population of T cells in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX-500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 4 to 7 days. In other embodiments, the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the first population of T cells in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX-100MCS container, for a period of about 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture into and amongst 2, 3 or 4 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX-500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 5 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of rapid second expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the first population of T cells in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 2 to 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture to a second container larger than the first container, e.g., a G-REX 500MCS container, and culturing the first population of T cells from the small scale culture in a larger scale culture in the second container for a period of about 5 to 7 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the first population of T cells in a first small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 2 to 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the first population of T cells from the first small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are equal in size to the first container, wherein in each second container the portion of the first population of T cells from first small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a second small scale culture for a period of about 5 to 7 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the first population of T cells in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 2 to 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture into and amongst at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX 500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 5 to 7 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the first population of T cells in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture into and amongst 2, 3 or 4 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX 500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 5 to 6 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the first population of T cells in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture into and amongst 2, 3 or 4 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX 500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 5 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the first population of T cells in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture into and amongst 2, 3 or 4 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX 500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 6 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the step of rapid expansion is split into a plurality of steps to achieve a scaling out and scaling up of the culture by: (a) performing the rapid second expansion by culturing the first population of T cells in a small scale culture in a first container, e.g., a G-REX 100MCS container, for a period of about 3 to 4 days, and then (b) effecting the transfer and apportioning of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture into and amongst 2, 3 or 4 second containers that are larger in size than the first container, e.g., G-REX 500MCS containers, wherein in each second container the portion of the first population of T cells from the small scale culture transferred to such second container is cultured in a larger scale culture for a period of about 7 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the priming first expansion step is performed during a period of up to 7 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the rapid second expansion step is performed during a period of up to 8 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the rapid second expansion of step (b) is performed during a period of up to 9 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the rapid second expansion of step (b) is performed during a period of up to 10 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the rapid second expansion of step (b) is performed during a period of up to 11 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the priming first expansion in step (a) is performed during a period of 7 days and the rapid second expansion of step (b) is performed during a period of up to 9 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the priming first expansion in step (a) is performed during a period of 7 days and the rapid second expansion of step (b) is performed during a period of up to 10 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the priming first expansion in step (a) is performed during a period of 7 days or 8 days and the rapid second expansion of step (b) is performed during a period of up to 9 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the priming first expansion in step (a) is performed during a period of 7 days or 8 days and the rapid second expansion of step (b) is performed during a period of up to 10 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the priming first expansion in step (a) is performed during a period of 8 days and the rapid second expansion of step (b) is performed during a period of up to 9 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the priming first expansion in step (a) is performed during a period of 8 days and the rapid second expansion of step (b) is performed during a period of up to 8 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (a) the first population of T cells is cultured in a first culture medium comprising OKT-3 and IL-2.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first culture medium comprises 4-1BB agonist, OKT-3 and IL-2.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first culture medium comprises OKT-3, IL-2 and antigen-presenting cells (APCs).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first culture medium comprises 4-1BB agonist, OKT-3, IL-2 and antigen-presenting cells (APCs).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the first population of T cells is cultured in a second culture medium comprising OKT-3, IL-2 and antigen-presenting cells (APCs).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the second culture medium comprises 4-1BB agonist, OKT-3, IL-2 and antigen-presenting cells (APCs).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (a) the first population of T cells is cultured in a first culture medium in a container comprising a first gas-permeable surface, wherein the first culture medium comprises OKT-3, IL-2 and a first population of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the first population of APCs is exogenous to the donor of the first population of T cells and the first population of APCs is layered onto the first gas-permeable surface, wherein in step (b) the first population of T cells is cultured in a second culture medium in the container, wherein the second culture medium comprises OKT-3, IL-2 and a second population of APCs, wherein the second population of APCs is exogenous to the donor of the first population of T cells and the second population of APCs is layered onto the first gas-permeable surface, and wherein the second population of APCs is greater than the first population of APCs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (a) the first population of T cells is cultured in a first culture medium in a container comprising a first gas-permeable surface, wherein the first culture medium comprises 4-1BB agonist, OKT-3, IL-2 and a first population of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the first population of APCs is exogenous to the donor of the first population of T cells and the first population of APCs is layered onto the first gas-permeable surface, wherein in step (b) the first population of T cells is cultured in a second culture medium in the container, wherein the second culture medium comprises OKT-3, IL-2 and a second population of APCs, wherein the second population of APCs is exogenous to the donor of the first population of T cells and the second population of APCs is layered onto the first gas-permeable surface, and wherein the second population of APCs is greater than the first population of APCs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (a) the first population of T cells is cultured in a first culture medium in a container comprising a first gas-permeable surface, wherein the first culture medium comprises OKT-3, IL-2 and a first population of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the first population of APCs is exogenous to the donor of the first population of T cells and the first population of APCs is layered onto the first gas-permeable surface, wherein in step (b) the first population of T cells is cultured in a second culture medium in the container, wherein the second culture medium comprises 4-1BB agonist, OKT-3, IL-2 and a second population of APCs, wherein the second population of APCs is exogenous to the donor of the first population of T cells and the second population of APCs is layered onto the first gas-permeable surface, and wherein the second population of APCs is greater than the first population of APCs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (a) the first population of T cells is cultured in a first culture medium in a container comprising a first gas-permeable surface, wherein the first culture medium comprises 4-1BB agonist, OKT-3, IL-2 and a first population of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), wherein the first population of APCs is exogenous to the donor of the first population of T cells and the first population of APCs is layered onto the first gas-permeable surface, wherein in step (b) the first population of T cells is cultured in a second culture medium in the container, wherein the second culture medium comprises 4-1BB agonist, OKT-3, IL-2 and a second population of APCs, wherein the second population of APCs is exogenous to the donor of the first population of T cells and the second population of APCs is layered onto the first gas-permeable surface, and wherein the second population of APCs is greater than the first population of APCs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of the number of APCs in the second population of APCs to the number of APCs in the first population of APCs is about 2:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the number of APCs in the first population of APCs is about 2.5×10⁸ and the number of APCs in the second population of APCs is about 5×10⁸.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (a) the first population of APCs is layered onto the first gas-permeable surface at an average thickness of 2 layers of APCs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the second population of APCs is layered onto the first gas-permeable surface at an average thickness selected from the range of 4 to 8 layers of APCs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the ratio of the average number of layers of APCs layered onto the first gas-permeable surface in step (b) to the average number of layers of APCs layered onto the first gas-permeable surface in step (a) is 2:1.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (a) the first population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density selected from the range of at or about 1.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 4.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (a) the first population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density selected from the range of at or about 1.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 3.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (a) the first population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density selected from the range of at or about 2.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 3.0×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (a) the first population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density of at or about 2.0×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the second population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density selected from the range of at or about 2.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 7.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the second population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density selected from the range of at or about 3.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 6.0×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the second population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density selected from the range of at or about 4.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 5.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (b) the second population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density of at or about 4.0×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (a) the first population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density selected from the range of at or about 1.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 4.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² and in step (b) the second population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density selected from the range of at or about 2.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 7.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable modified such that in step (a) the first population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density selected from the range of at or about 1.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 3.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² and in step (b) the second population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density selected from the range of at or about 3.5×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 6.0×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (a) the first population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density selected from the range of at or about 2.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 3.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² and in step (b) the second population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density selected from the range of at or about 4.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² to at or about 5.5×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that in step (a) the first population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density of at or about 2.0×10⁶ APCs/cm² and in step (b) the second population of APCs is seeded on the first gas permeable surface at a density of at or about 4.0×10⁶ APCs/cm².

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the APCs are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the PBMCs are irradiated and exogenous to the donor of the first population of T cells.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the T cells are tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the T cells are marrow infiltrating lymphocytes (MILs).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the T cells are peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained by separation from the whole blood of the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained by separation from the apheresis product of the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is separated from the whole blood or apheresis product of the donor by positive or negative selection of a T cell phenotype.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the T cell phenotype is CD3+ and CD45+.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that before performing the priming first expansion of the first population of T cells the T cells are separated from NK cells. In other embodiments, the T cells are separated from NK cells in the first population of T cells by removal of CD3− CD56+ cells from the first population of T cells. In other embodiments, the CD3− CD56+ cells are removed from the first population of T cells by subjecting the first population of T cells to cell sorting using a gating strategy that removes the CD3− CD56+ cell fraction and recovers the negative fraction. In other embodiments, the foregoing method is utilized for the expansion of T cells in a first population of T cells characterized by a high percentage of NK cells. In other embodiments, the foregoing method is utilized for the expansion of T cells in a first population of T cells characterized by a high percentage of CD3− CD56+ cells. In other embodiments, the foregoing method is utilized for the expansion of T cells in tumor tissue characterized by the present of a high number of NK cells. In other embodiments, the foregoing method is utilized for the expansion of T cells in tumor tissue characterized by a high number of CD3− CD56+ cells. In other embodiments, the foregoing method is utilized for the expansion of T cells in tumor tissue obtained from a patient suffering from a tumor characterized by the presence of a high number of NK cells. In other embodiments, the foregoing method is utilized for the expansion of T cells in tumor tissue obtained from a patient suffering from a tumor characterized by the presence of a high number of CD3− CD56+ cells. In other embodiments, the foregoing method is utilized for the expansion of T cells in tumor tissue obtained from a patient suffering from ovarian cancer.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that at or about 1×10⁷ T cells from the first population of T cells are seeded in a container to initiate the primary first expansion culture in such container.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is distributed into a plurality of containers, and in each container at or about 1×10⁷ T cells from the first population of T cells are seeded to initiate the primary first expansion culture in such container.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the second population of T cells harvested in step (c) is a therapeutic population of TILs.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from one or more small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy), core biopsies, core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1 to 20 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy), core biopsies, core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1 to 10 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy), core biopsies, core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy), core biopsies, core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy), core biopsies, core needle biopsies or fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from one or more core biopsies of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1 to 20 core biopsies of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1 to 10 core biopsies of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 core biopsies of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 core biopsies of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from one or more fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1 to 20 fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1 to 10 fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 fine needle aspirates of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from one or more small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy) of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1 to 20 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy) of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1 to 10 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy) of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy) of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 small biopsies (including, for example, a punch biopsy) of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from one or more core needle biopsies of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1 to 20 core needle biopsies of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1 to 10 core needle biopsies of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 core needle biopsies of tumor tissue from the donor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first population of T cells is obtained from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 core needle biopsies of tumor tissue from the donor.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a method for expanding tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into a therapeutic population of TILs comprising: (i) obtaining and/or receiving a first population of TILs from a tumor sample obtained from one or more small biopsies, core biopsies, or needle biopsies of a tumor in a subject by culturing the tumor sample in a first cell culture medium comprising IFN-γ and anti-PD-1 for about 2-3 days to enhance the stimulate of tumor reactive TILs in media comprising at least IL-2 and, optionally, IL-21 with or without AKTi; (ii) performing a first expansion by culturing the first population of TILs in a second cell culture medium comprising at least IL-2 and, optionally, IL-21 with or without AKTi to produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion is performed for first period of about 2-3 days to obtain the second population of TILs, wherein the second population of TILs is greater in number than the first population of TILs; (iii) performing a rapid second expansion by contacting the second population of TILs with a third cell culture medium comprising at least IL-2, and optionally IL-15 and/or IL-21 with or without AKTi to produce a third population of TILs, wherein the rapid second expansion is performed for a second period to total about 11 days to obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third population of TILs is a therapeutic population of TILs; and (iv) harvesting the therapeutic population of TILs obtained from step (iii).

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that after day 5 of the second period the culture is split into 2 or more subcultures, and each subculture is supplemented with an additional quantity of the third culture medium and cultured for about 6 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that after day 5 of the second period the culture is split into 2 or more subcultures, and each subculture is supplemented with a fourth culture medium comprising IL-2 and cultured for about 6 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that after day 5 of the second period the culture is split into up to 5 subcultures.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that all steps in the method are completed in about 22 days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a method of expanding T cells comprising: (i) stimulating a a first population of TILs with any of the group consisting of IFNg (interferon gamma), PD-1 (anti-PD-1 antibody), CD40L, CD40 (anti-CD40 antibody), and/or a CTLA-4 agonist, including for up to about 48-72 hours; (ii) performing a priming first expansion of the first population of TILs to increase the proportion of tumor reactive TILs and to prime an activation of the first population of T cells; (iii) after the activation of the first population of TILs primed in step (b), perform a second expansion of the first population of TILs by culturing the population of first population of TILs to effect growth and to boost the activation of the first population of T cells to obtain a second population of T cells; and (iv) harvesting the second population of T cells. In some embodiments, the tumor sample is obtained from a plurality of core biopsies. In some embodiments, the plurality of core biopsies is selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 core biopsies.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a method of expanding B cells comprising: (i) stimulating a first population of TILs with any of the group consisting of IFNg (interferon gamma), PD-1 (anti-PD-1 antibody), CD40L, CD40 (anti-CD40 antibody), and/or a CTLA-4 agonist, including for up to about 48-72 hours; (ii) performing a first expansion of the first population of B cells by culturing cells to produce a second population of B cells; (iii) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell culture medium of the second population of B cells to produce a third population of B cells, wherein the third population of B cells is a therapeutic population of B cells; and (iv) harvesting the third population of B cells. In some embodiments, the tumor sample is obtained from a plurality of core biopsies. In some embodiments, the plurality of core biopsies is selected from the group consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 core biopsies.

In some embodiments, the invention provides the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that the first, second and/or third population of TILs is sorted for (a) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (b) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) or (c) the combination of (a) and (b) TILs. Cell sorting systems suitable for sorting TILs that are (a) CD39/CD69 double negative and/or (b) CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO), or the combination of (i) and (ii) in accordance with the methods of the present invention may be found in U.S. Application No. 2019/0212332, which is incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, cell sorting is performed using methods described in Zhang, X et. al., Surface Free Energy Activated High-Throughput Cell Sorting, Analytical Chemistry (2014), 86: 9350-9355, which is incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the cell sorting technology has a capacity of 5e7 cells per second. In some embodiments, a capacity of 5e7 cells per second is useful for sorting at day 22 (for example, after expansion of the TILs). In some embodiments, the invention provides that the therapeutic TIL population or the TIL composition be expanded using either a 1-REP or 2-REP protocol (See Example 15 and FIG. 41 ). In some embodiments, the populations of TIL will be assessed for growth, viability, phenotype, function, autologous tumor killing and TCRvp repertoire. In some embodiments, a portion of the therapeutic TIL population or the TIL composition may be sampled in order to test using the cell sorting methods described above.

In some embodiments, the invention the method described in any of the preceding paragraphs as applicable above modified such that T cells or TILs are obtained from tumor digests. In some embodiments, tumor digests are generated by incubating the tumor in enzyme media, for example but not limited to RPMI 1640, 2 mM GlutaMAX, 10 mg/mL gentamicin, 30 U/mL DNase, and 1.0 mg/mL collagenase, followed by mechanical dissociation (GentleMACS, Miltenyi Biotec, Auburn, CA). In some embodiments, the tumor is placed in a tumor dissociating enzyme mixture including one or more dissociating (digesting) enzymes such as, but not limited to, collagenase (including any blend or type of collagenase), Accutase™, Accumax™, hyaluronidase, neutral protease (dispase), chymotrypsin, chymopapain, trypsin, caseinase, elastase, papain, protease type XIV (pronase), deoxyribonuclease I (DNase), trypsin inhibitor, any other dissociating or proteolytic enzyme, and any combination thereof. In other embodiments, the tumor is placed in a tumor dissociating enzyme mixture including collagenase (including any blend or type of collagenase), neutral protease (dispase) and deoxyribonuclease I (DNase).

VI. Pharmaceutical Compositions, Dosages, and Dosing Regimens

In some embodiments, TILs, MILs, or PBLs expanded and/or genetically modified (including TILs, MILs, or PBLs genetically-modified to express a CCR) using the methods of the present disclosure are administered to a patient as a pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is a suspension of TILs in a sterile buffer. TILs expanded using PBMCs of the present disclosure may be administered by any suitable route as known in the art. In some embodiments, the T-cells are administered as a single intra-arterial or intravenous infusion, which preferably lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Other suitable routes of administration include intraperitoneal, intrathecal, and intralymphatic administration.

Accordingly, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a therapeutic population of TILs manufactured using the method disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs comprises from about 2.3×10¹⁰ to about 13.7×10¹⁰ TILs. In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs comprises from about 1×10⁹ to about 1×10¹¹ TILs. In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits enhanced polyfunctionality in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits a more stem-like phenotype in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits an increase in the frequency of less activated and/or differentiated TILs in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits improved tumore cell killing in an allogeneic setting in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits increased expression of a memory associated marker selected from the group consisting of CD27, CD28, CD62L, and IL-7R, in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits reduced expression of an activation marker selected from the group consisting of CD38, CD39, and CD69, in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits reduced expression of an inhibitory/exhaustion associated marker selected from the group consisting of LAG3, TIM3, TIGIT, and TOX, in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the therapeutic population of TILs exhibits increased expression of a functional marker selected from the group consisting of GZMB, CXCR3, IFNg, TNFa, and IL-2, in comparison to a population of TILs manufactured using a reference TIL manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the reference TIL manufacturing process is a TIL manufacturing process disclosed herein, such as a Gen 2 process or process 2A, including for example a process as described outlined in FIGS. 1 and/or 8 .

Any suitable dose of TILs can be administered. In some embodiments, from about 2.3×10¹⁰ to about 13.7×10¹⁰ TILs are administered, with an average of around 7.8×10¹⁰ TILs, particularly if the cancer is NSCLC or melanoma. In some embodiments, about 1.2×10¹⁰ to about 4.3×10¹⁰ of TILs are administered. In some embodiments, about 3×10¹⁰ to about 12×10¹⁰ TILs are administered. In some embodiments, about 4×10¹⁰ to about 10×10¹⁰ TILs are administered. In some embodiments, about 5×10¹⁰ to about 8×10¹⁰ TILs are administered. In some embodiments, about 6×10¹⁰ to about 8×10¹⁰ TILs are administered. In some embodiments, about 7×10¹⁰ to about 8×0¹⁰ TILs are administered. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective dosage is about 2.3×10¹⁰ to about 13.7×10¹⁰. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective dosage is about 7.8×10¹⁰ TILs, particularly of the cancer is melanoma. n some embodiments, the therapeutically effective dosage is about 7.8×10¹⁰ TILs, particularly of the cancer is NSCLC. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective dosage is about 1.2×10¹⁰ to about 4.3×10¹⁰ of TILs. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective dosage is about 3×10¹⁰ to about 12×10¹⁰ TILs. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective dosage is about 4×10¹⁰ to about 10×10¹⁰ TILs. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective dosage is about 5×10¹⁰ to about 8×10¹⁰ TILs. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective dosage is about 6×10¹⁰ to about 8×10¹⁰ TILs. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective dosage is about 7×10¹⁰ to about 8×10¹⁰ TILs.

In some embodiments, the number of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is about 1×10⁶, 2×10⁶, 3×10⁶, 4×10⁶, 5×10⁶, 6×10⁶, 7×10⁶, 8×10⁶, 9×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 2×10⁷, 3×10⁷, 4×10⁷, 5×10⁷, 6×10⁷, 7×10⁷, 8×10⁷, 9×10⁷, 1×10, 2×10⁸, 3×10⁸, 4×10⁸, 5×10⁸, 6×10⁸, 7×10⁸, 8×10⁸, 9×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 2×10⁹, 3×10⁹, 4×10⁹, 5×10⁹, 6×10⁹, 7×10⁹, 8×10⁹, 9×10⁹, 1×10 ¹⁰, 2×10¹⁰, 3×10¹⁰, 4×10¹⁰, 5×10¹⁰, 6×10¹⁰, 7×10¹⁰, 8×10¹⁰, 9×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 2×10¹¹, 3×10¹¹, 4×10¹¹, 5×10¹¹, 6×10¹¹, 7×10¹¹, 8×10¹¹, 9×10¹¹, 1×10¹², 2×10¹², 3×10¹², 4×10¹², 5×10¹², 6×10¹², 7×10¹², 8×10¹², 9×10¹², 1×10¹³, 2×10¹³, 3×10¹³, 4×10¹³, 5×10¹³, 6×10¹³, 7×10¹³, 8×10¹³, and 9×10¹³. In some embodiments, the number of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is in the range of 1×10⁶ to 5×10⁶, 5×10⁶ to 1×10⁷, 1×10⁷ to 5×10⁷, 5×10⁷ to 1×10, 1×10 to 5×10⁸, 5×10⁸ to 1×10⁹, 1×10⁹ to 5×10⁹, 5×10⁹ to 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹⁰ to 5×10¹⁰, 5×10¹⁰ to 1×10¹¹, 5×10¹¹ to 1×10¹², 1×1012 to 5×1012, and 5×1012 to 1×1013.

In some embodiments, the concentration of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is less than, for example, 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%0, 0.5%0, 0.4%0, 0.3%0, 0.2%, 0.1%0.09%, 0.08%, 0.07%, 0.06%, 0.05%, 0.04%, 0.03%, 0.02%, 0.01%, 0.009%, 0.008%, 0.007%, 0.006%, 0.005%, 0.004%, 0.003%, 0.002%, 0.001%, 0.0009%, 0.0008%, 0.0007%, 0.0006%, 0.0005%, 0.0004%, 0.0003%, 0.0002% or 0.0001% w/w, w/v or v/v of the pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments, the concentration of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is greater than 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 19.75%, 19.50%, 19.25% 19%, 18.75%, 18.50%, 18.25% 18%, 17.75%, 17.50%, 17.25% 17%, 16.75%, 16.50%, 16.25% 16%, 15.75%, 15.50%, 15.25% 15%, 14.75%, 14.50%, 14.25% 14%, 13.75%, 13.50%, 13.25% 13%, 12.75%, 12.50%, 12.25% 12%, 11.75%, 11.50%, 11.25% 11%, 10.75%, 10.50%, 10.25% 10%, 9.75%, 9.50%, 9.25% 9%, 8.75%, 8.50%, 8.25% 8%, 7.75%, 7.50%, 7.25% 7%, 6.75%, 6.50%, 6.25% 6%, 5.75%, 5.50%, 5.25% 5%, 4.75%, 4.50%, 4.25%, 4%, 3.75%, 3.50%, 3.25%, 3%, 2.75%, 2.50%, 2.25%, 2%, 1.75%, 1.50%, 125%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, 0.1%, 0.09%, 0.08%, 0.07%, 0.06%, 0.05%, 0.04%, 0.03%, 0.02%, 0.01%, 0.009%, 0.008%, 0.007%, 0.006%, 0.005%, 0.004%, 0.003%, 0.002%, 0.001%, 0.0009%, 0.0008%, 0.0007%, 0.0006%, 0.0005%, 0.0004%, 0.0003%, 0.0002% or 0.0001% w/w, w/v, or v/v of the pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments, the concentration of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is in the range from about 0.0001% to about 50%, about 0.001% to about 40%, about 0.01% to about 30%, about 0.02% to about 29%, about 0.03% to about 28%, about 0.04% to about 27%, about 0.05% to about 26%, about 0.06% to about 25%, about 0.07% to about 24%, about 0.08% to about 23%, about 0.09% to about 22%, about 0.1% to about 21%, about 0.2% to about 20%, about 0.3% to about 19%, about 0.4% to about 18%, about 0.5% to about 17%, about 0.6% to about 16%, about 0.7% to about 15%, about 0.8% to about 14%, about 0.9% to about 12% or about 10% to about 10% w/w, w/v or v/v of the pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments, the concentration of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is in the range from about 0.001% to about 10%, about 0.01% to about 5%, about 0.02% to about 4.5%, about 0.03% to about 4%, about 0.04% to about 3.5%, about 0.05% to about 3%, about 0.06% to about 2.5%, about 0.07% to about 2%, about 0.08% to about 1.5%, about 0.09% to about 1%, about 0.1% to about 0.9% w/w, w/v or v/v of the pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments, the amount of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is equal to or less than 10 g, 9.5 g, 9.0 g, 8.5 g, 8.0 g, 7.5 g, 7.0 g, 6.5 g, 6.0 g, 5.5 g, 5.0 g, 4.5 g, 4.0 g, 3.5 g, 3.0 g, 2.5 g, 2.0 g, 1.5 g, 1.0 g, 0.95 g, 0.9 g, 0.85 g, 0.8 g, 0.75 g, 0.7 g, 0.65 g, 0.6 g, 0.55 g, 0.5 g, 0.45 g, 0.4 g, 0.35 g, 0.3 g, 0.25 g, 0.2 g, 0.15 g, 0.1 g, 0.09 g, 0.08 g, 0.07 g, 0.06 g, 0.05 g, 0.04 g, 0.03 g, 0.02 g, 0.01 g, 0.009 g, 0.008 g, 0.007 g, 0.006 g, 0.005 g, 0.004 g, 0.003 g, 0.002 g, 0.001 g, 0.0009 g, 0.0008 g, 0.0007 g, 0.0006 g, 0.0005 g, 0.0004 g, 0.0003 g, 0.0002 g, or 0.0001 g.

In some embodiments, the amount of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is more than 0.0001 g, 0.0002 g, 0.0003 g, 0.0004 g, 0.0005 g, 0.0006 g, 0.0007 g, 0.0008 g, 0.0009 g, 0.001 g, 0.0015 g, 0.002 g, 0.0025 g, 0.003 g, 0.0035 g, 0.004 g, 0.0045 g, 0.005 g, 0.0055 g, 0.006 g, 0.0065 g, 0.007 g, 0.0075 g, 0.008 g, 0.0085 g, 0.009 g, 0.0095 g, 0.01 g, 0.015 g, 0.02 g, 0.025 g, 0.03 g, 0.035 g, 0.04 g, 0.045 g, 0.05 g, 0.055 g, 0.06 g, 0.065 g, 0.07 g, 0.075 g, 0.08 g, 0.085 g, 0.09 g, 0.095 g, 0.1 g, 0.15 g, 0.2 g, 0.25 g, 0.3 g, 0.35 g, 0.4 g, 0.45 g, 0.5 g, 0.55 g, 0.6 g, 0.65 g, 0.7 g, 0.75 g, 0.8 g, 0.85 g, 0.9 g, 0.95 g, 1 g, 1.5 g, 2 g, 2.5, 3 g, 3.5, 4 g, 4.5 g, 5 g, 5.5 g, 6 g, 6.5 g, 7 g, 7.5 g, 8 g, 8.5 g, 9 g, 9.5 g, or 10 g.

The TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are effective over a wide dosage range. The exact dosage will depend upon the route of administration, the form in which the compound is administered, the gender and age of the subject to be treated, the body weight of the subject to be treated, and the preference and experience of the attending physician. The clinically-established dosages of the TILs may also be used if appropriate. The amounts of the pharmaceutical compositions administered using the methods herein, such as the dosages of TILs, will be dependent on the human or mammal being treated, the severity of the disorder or condition, the rate of administration, the disposition of the active pharmaceutical ingredients and the discretion of the prescribing physician.

In some embodiments, TILs may be administered in a single dose. Such administration may be by injection, e.g., intravenous injection. In some embodiments, TILs may be administered in multiple doses. Dosing may be once, twice, three times, four times, five times, six times, or more than six times per year. Dosing may be once a month, once every two weeks, once a week, or once every other day. Administration of TILs may continue as long as necessary.

In some embodiments, an effective dosage of TILs is about 1×10⁶, 2×10⁶, 3×10⁶, 4×10⁶, 5×10⁶, 6×10⁶, 7×10⁶, 8×10⁶, 9×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 2×10⁷, 3×10⁷, 4×10⁷, 5×10⁷, 6×10⁷, 7×10⁷, 8×10⁷, 9×10⁷, 1×10, 2×10⁸, 3×10⁸, 4×10⁸, 5×10⁸, 6×10⁸, 7×10⁸, 8×10⁸, 9×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 2×10⁹, 3×10⁹, 4×10⁹, 5×10⁹, 6×10⁹, 7×10⁹, 8×10⁹, 9×10⁹, 1×10¹⁰, 2×10¹⁰, 3×10¹⁰, 4×10¹⁰, 5×10¹⁰, 6×10¹⁰, 7×10¹⁰, 8×10¹⁰, 9×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 2×10¹¹, 3×10¹¹, 4×10¹¹, 5×10¹¹, 6×10¹¹, 7×10¹¹, 8×10¹¹, 9×10¹¹, 1×10¹², 2×10¹², 3×10¹², 4×10¹², 5×10¹², 6×10¹², 7×10¹², 8×10¹², 9×10¹², 1×10¹³, 2×10¹³, 3×10¹³, 4×10¹³, 5×10¹³, 6×10¹³, 7×10¹³, 8×10¹³, and 9×10¹³. In some embodiments, an effective dosage of TILs is in the range of 1×10⁶ to 5×10⁶, 5×10⁶ to 1×10⁷, 1×10⁷ to 5×10⁷, 5×10⁷ to 1×10, 1×10 to 5×10⁸, 5×10⁸ to 1×10⁹, 1×10⁹ to 5×10⁹, 5×10⁹ to 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹⁰ to 5×10¹⁰, 5×10¹⁰ to 1×10¹¹, 5×10¹¹ to 1×10¹², 1×10¹² to 5×10¹²,and 5×10¹² to 1×10¹³.

In some embodiments, an effective dosage of TILs is in the range of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 4.3 mg/kg, about 0.15 mg/kg to about 3.6 mg/kg, about 0.3 mg/kg to about 3.2 mg/kg, about 0.35 mg/kg to about 2.85 mg/kg, about 0.15 mg/kg to about 2.85 mg/kg, about 0.3 mg to about 2.15 mg/kg, about 0.45 mg/kg to about 1.7 mg/kg, about 0.15 mg/kg to about 1.3 mg/kg, about 0.3 mg/kg to about 1.15 mg/kg, about 0.45 mg/kg to about 1 mg/kg, about 0.55 mg/kg to about 0.85 mg/kg, about 0.65 mg/kg to about 0.8 mg/kg, about 0.7 mg/kg to about 0.75 mg/kg, about 0.7 mg/kg to about 2.15 mg/kg, about 0.85 mg/kg to about 2 mg/kg, about 1 mg/kg to about 1.85 mg/kg, about 1.15 mg/kg to about 1.7 mg/kg, about 1.3 mg/kg mg to about 1.6 mg/kg, about 1.35 mg/kg to about 1.5 mg/kg, about 2.15 mg/kg to about 3.6 mg/kg, about 2.3 mg/kg to about 3.4 mg/kg, about 2.4 mg/kg to about 3.3 mg/kg, about 2.6 mg/kg to about 3.15 mg/kg, about 2.7 mg/kg to about 3 mg/kg, about 2.8 mg/kg to about 3 mg/kg, or about 2.85 mg/kg to about 2.95 mg/kg.

In some embodiments, an effective dosage of TILs is in the range of about 1 mg to about 500 mg, about 10 mg to about 300 mg, about 20 mg to about 250 mg, about 25 mg to about 200 mg, about 1 mg to about 50 mg, about 5 mg to about 45 mg, about 10 mg to about 40 mg, about 15 mg to about 35 mg, about 20 mg to about 30 mg, about 23 mg to about 28 mg, about 50 mg to about 150 mg, about 60 mg to about 140 mg, about 70 mg to about 130 mg, about 80 mg to about 120 mg, about 90 mg to about 110 mg, or about 95 mg to about 10⁵ mg, about 98 mg to about 102 mg, about 150 mg to about 250 mg, about 160 mg to about 240 mg, about 170 mg to about 230 mg, about 180 mg to about 220 mg, about 190 mg to about 210 mg, about 195 mg to about 205 mg, or about 198 to about 207 mg.

An effective amount of the TILs may be administered in either single or multiple doses by any of the accepted modes of administration of agents having similar utilities, including intranasal and transdermal routes, by intra-arterial injection, intravenously, intraperitoneally, parenterally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, topically, by transplantation, or by inhalation.

In other embodiments, the invention provides an infusion bag comprising the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs above.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) composition comprising the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs above and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In other embodiments, the invention provides an infusion bag comprising the TIL composition described in any of the preceding paragraphs above.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a cryopreserved preparation of the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs above.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) composition comprising the therapeutic population of TILs described in any of the preceding paragraphs above and a cryopreservation media.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the TIL composition described in any of the preceding paragraphs above modified such that the cryopreservation media contains DMSO.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the TIL composition described in any of the preceding paragraphs above modified such that the cryopreservation media contains 7-10% DMSO.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a cryopreserved preparation of the TIL composition described in any of the preceding paragraphs above.

In some embodiments, TILs expanded using the methods of the present disclosure are administered to a patient as a pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is a suspension of TILs in a sterile buffer. TILs expanded using PBMCs of the present disclosure may be administered by any suitable route as known in the art. In some embodiments, the T-cells are administered as a single intra-arterial or intravenous infusion, which preferably lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Other suitable routes of administration include intraperitoneal, intrathecal, and intralymphatic administration.

Any suitable dose of TILs can be administered. In some embodiments, from about 2.3×10¹⁰ to about 13.7×10¹⁰ TILs are administered, with an average of around 7.8×10¹⁰ TILs, particularly if the cancer is NSCLC. In some embodiments, about 1.2×10¹⁰ to about 4.3×10¹⁰ of TILs are administered. In some embodiments, about 3×10¹⁰ to about 12×10¹⁰ TILs are administered. In some embodiments, about 4×10¹⁰ to about 10×10¹⁰ TILs are administered. In some embodiments, about 5×10¹⁰ to about 8×10¹⁰ TILs are administered. In some embodiments, about 6×10¹⁰ to about 8×10¹⁰ TILs are administered. In some embodiments, about 7×10¹⁰ to about 8×10¹⁰ TILs are administered. In some embodiments, therapeutically effective dosage is about 2.3×10¹⁰ to about 13.7×10¹⁰. In some embodiments, therapeutically effective dosage is about 7.8×10¹⁰ TILs, particularly of the cancer is NSCLC.

In some embodiments, therapeutically effective dosage is about 1.2×10¹⁰ to about 4.3×10¹⁰ of TILs. In some embodiments, therapeutically effective dosage is about 3×0¹⁰ to about 12×10¹⁰ TILs. In some embodiments, therapeutically effective dosage is about 4×10¹⁰ to about 10×10¹⁰ TILs. In some embodiments, therapeutically effective dosage is about 5×10¹⁰ to about 8×10¹⁰ TILs. In some embodiments, therapeutically effective dosage is about 6×10¹⁰ to about 8×10¹⁰ TILs. In some embodiments, therapeutically effective dosage is about 7×10¹⁰ to about 8×10¹⁰ TILs.

In some embodiments, the number of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is about 1×10⁶, 2×10⁶, 3×10⁶, 4×10⁶, 5×10⁶, 6×10⁶, 7×10⁶, 8×10⁶, 9×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 2×10⁷, 3×10⁷, 4×10⁷, 5×10⁷, 6×10⁷, 7×10⁷, 8×10⁷, 9×10⁷, 1×10⁹, 2×10⁹, 3×10⁹, 4×10⁹, 5×10⁹, 6×10⁹, 7×10⁹, 8×10⁹, 9×10⁹, 1×10⁹, 2×10⁹, 3×10⁹, 4×10⁹, 5×10⁹, 6×10⁹, 7×10⁹, 8×10⁹, 9×10⁹, 1×10 ¹⁰, 2×10¹⁰, 3×10¹⁰, 4×10¹⁰, 5×10¹⁰, 6×10¹⁰, 7×10¹⁰, 8×10¹⁰, 9×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 2×10¹¹, 3×10¹¹, 4×10¹¹, 5×10¹¹, 6×10¹¹, 7×10¹¹, 8×10¹¹, 9×10¹¹, 1×10¹², 2×10¹², 3×10¹², 4×10¹², 5×10¹², 6×10¹², 7×10¹², 8×10¹², 9×10¹², 1×10¹³, 2×10¹³, 3×10¹³, 4×10¹³, 5×10¹³, 6×10¹³, 7×10¹³, 8×10¹³, and 9×10¹³. In some embodiments, the number of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is in the range of 1×10⁶ to 5×10⁶, 5×10⁶ to 1×10⁷, 1×10⁷ to 5×10⁷, 5×10⁷ to 1×10¹, 1×10⁹ to 5×10^(g), 5×10⁸ to 1×10⁹, 1×10⁹ to 5×10⁹, 5×10⁹ to 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹⁰ to 5×10¹⁰, 5×10¹⁰ to 1×10¹¹, 5×10¹¹ to 1×10¹², 1×1012 to 5×1012, and 5×1012 to 1×1013.

In some embodiments, the concentration of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is less than, for example, 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%0, 0.5%0, 0.4%0, 0.3%0, 0.2%, 0.1%0.09%, 0.08%, 0.07%, 0.06%, 0.05%, 0.04%, 0.03%, 0.02%, 0.01%, 0.009%, 0.008%, 0.007%, 0.006%, 0.005%, 0.004%, 0.003%, 0.002%, 0.001%, 0.0009%, 0.0008%, 0.0007%, 0.0006%, 0.0005%, 0.0004%, 0.0003%, 0.0002% or 0.0001% w/w, w/v or v/v of the pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments, the concentration of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is greater than 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 19.75%, 19.50%, 19.25% 19%, 18.75%, 18.50%, 18.25% 18%, 17.75%, 17.50%, 17.25% 17%, 16.75%, 16.50%, 16.25% 16%, 15.75%, 15.50%, 15.25% 15%, 14.75%, 14.50%, 14.25% 14%, 13.75%, 13.50%, 13.25% 13%, 12.75%, 12.50%, 12.25% 12%, 11.75%, 11.50%, 11.25% 11%, 10.75%, 10.50%, 10.25% 10%, 9.75%, 9.50%, 9.25% 9%, 8.75%, 8.50%, 8.25% 8%, 7.75%, 7.50%, 7.25% 7%, 6.75%, 6.50%, 6.25% 6%, 5.75%, 5.50%, 5.25% 5%, 4.75%, 4.50%, 4.25%, 4%, 3.75%, 3.50%, 3.25%, 3%, 2.75%, 2.50%, 2.25%, 2%, 1.75%, 1.50%, 125%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, 0.1%, 0.09%, 0.08%, 0.07%, 0.06%, 0.05%, 0.04%, 0.03%, 0.02%, 0.01%, 0.009%, 0.008%, 0.007%, 0.006%, 0.005%, 0.004%, 0.003%, 0.002%, 0.001%, 0.0009%, 0.0008%, 0.0007%, 0.0006%, 0.0005%, 0.0004%, 0.0003%, 0.0002% or 0.0001% w/w, w/v, or v/v of the pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments, the concentration of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is in the range from about 0.0001% to about 50%, about 0.001% to about 40%, about 0.01% to about 30%, about 0.02% to about 29%, about 0.03% to about 28%, about 0.04% to about 27%, about 0.05% to about 26%, about 0.06% to about 25%, about 0.07% to about 24%, about 0.08% to about 23%, about 0.09% to about 22%, about 0.1% to about 21%, about 0.2% to about 20%, about 0.3% to about 19%, about 0.4% to about 18%, about 0.5% to about 17%, about 0.6% to about 16%, about 0.7% to about 15%, about 0.8% to about 14%, about 0.9% to about 12% or about 10% to about 10% w/w, w/v or v/v of the pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments, the concentration of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is in the range from about 0.001% to about 10%, about 0.01% to about 5%, about 0.02% to about 4.5%, about 0.03% to about 4%, about 0.04% to about 3.5%, about 0.05% to about 3%, about 0.06% to about 2.5%, about 0.07% to about 2%, about 0.08% to about 1.5%, about 0.09% to about 1%, about 0.1% to about 0.9% w/w, w/v or v/v of the pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments, the amount of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is equal to or less than 10 g, 9.5 g, 9.0 g, 8.5 g, 8.0 g, 7.5 g, 7.0 g, 6.5 g, 6.0 g, 5.5 g, 5.0 g, 4.5 g, 4.0 g, 3.5 g, 3.0 g, 2.5 g, 2.0 g, 1.5 g, 1.0 g, 0.95 g, 0.9 g, 0.85 g, 0.8 g, 0.75 g, 0.7 g, 0.65 g, 0.6 g, 0.55 g, 0.5 g, 0.45 g, 0.4 g, 0.35 g, 0.3 g, 0.25 g, 0.2 g, 0.15 g, 0.1 g, 0.09 g, 0.08 g, 0.07 g, 0.06 g, 0.05 g, 0.04 g, 0.03 g, 0.02 g, 0.01 g, 0.009 g, 0.008 g, 0.007 g, 0.006 g, 0.005 g, 0.004 g, 0.003 g, 0.002 g, 0.001 g, 0.0009 g, 0.0008 g, 0.0007 g, 0.0006 g, 0.0005 g, 0.0004 g, 0.0003 g, 0.0002 g, or 0.0001 g.

In some embodiments, the amount of the TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention is more than 0.0001 g, 0.0002 g, 0.0003 g, 0.0004 g, 0.0005 g, 0.0006 g, 0.0007 g, 0.0008 g, 0.0009 g, 0.001 g, 0.0015 g, 0.002 g, 0.0025 g, 0.003 g, 0.0035 g, 0.004 g, 0.0045 g, 0.005 g, 0.0055 g, 0.006 g, 0.0065 g, 0.007 g, 0.0075 g, 0.008 g, 0.0085 g, 0.009 g, 0.0095 g, 0.01 g, 0.015 g, 0.02 g, 0.025 g, 0.03 g, 0.035 g, 0.04 g, 0.045 g, 0.05 g, 0.055 g, 0.06 g, 0.065 g, 0.07 g, 0.075 g, 0.08 g, 0.085 g, 0.09 g, 0.095 g, 0.1 g, 0.15 g, 0.2 g, 0.25 g, 0.3 g, 0.35 g, 0.4 g, 0.45 g, 0.5 g, 0.55 g, 0.6 g, 0.65 g, 0.7 g, 0.75 g, 0.8 g, 0.85 g, 0.9 g, 0.95 g, 1 g, 1.5 g, 2 g, 2.5, 3 g, 3.5, 4 g, 4.5 g, 5 g, 5.5 g, 6 g, 6.5 g, 7 g, 7.5 g, 8 g, 8.5 g, 9 g, 9.5 g, or 10 g.

The TILs provided in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are effective over a wide dosage range. The exact dosage will depend upon the route of administration, the form in which the compound is administered, the gender and age of the subject to be treated, the body weight of the subject to be treated, and the preference and experience of the attending physician. The clinically-established dosages of the TILs may also be used if appropriate. The amounts of the pharmaceutical compositions administered using the methods herein, such as the dosages of TILs, will be dependent on the human or mammal being treated, the severity of the disorder or condition, the rate of administration, the disposition of the active pharmaceutical ingredients and the discretion of the prescribing physician.

In some embodiments, TILs may be administered in a single dose. Such administration may be by injection, e.g., intravenous injection. In some embodiments, TILs may be administered in multiple doses. Dosing may be once, twice, three times, four times, five times, six times, or more than six times per year. Dosing may be once a month, once every two weeks, once a week, or once every other day. Administration of TILs may continue as long as necessary.

In some embodiments, an effective dosage of TILs is about 1×10⁶, 2×10⁶, 3×10⁶, 4×10⁶, 5×10⁶, 6×10⁶, 7×10⁶, 8×10⁶, 9×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 2×10⁷, 3×10⁷, 4×10⁷, 5×10⁷, 6×10⁷, 7×10⁷, 8×10⁷, 9×10⁷, 1×10, 2×10⁸, 3×10⁸, 4×10⁸, 5×10⁸, 6×10⁸, 7×10⁸, 8×10⁸, 9×10⁸, 1×10⁹, 2×10⁹, 3×10⁹, 4×10⁹, 5×10⁹, 6×10⁹, 7×10⁹, 8×10⁹, 9×10⁹, 1×101°, 2×10¹⁰, 3×10¹⁰, 4×10¹⁰, 5×10¹⁰, 6×10¹⁰, 7×10¹⁰, 8×10¹⁰, 9×10¹⁰, 1×10¹¹, 2×10¹¹, 3×10¹¹, 4×10¹¹, 5×10¹¹, 6×10¹¹, 7×10¹¹, 8×10¹¹, 9×10¹¹, 1×10¹², 2×10¹², 3×10¹², 4×10¹², 5×10¹², 6×10¹², 7×10¹², 8×10¹², 9×10¹², 1×10¹³, 2×10¹³, 3×10¹³, 4×10¹³, 5×10¹³, 6×10¹³, 7×10¹³, 8×10¹³, and 9×10¹³. In some embodiments, an effective dosage of TILs is in the range of 1×10⁶ to 5×10⁶, 5×10⁶ to 1×10⁷, 1×10⁷ to 5×10⁷, 5×10⁷ to 1×10, 1×10 to 5×10⁸, 5×10⁸ to 1×10⁹, 1×10⁹ to 5×10⁹, 5×10⁹ to 1×10¹⁰, 1×10¹⁰ to 5×10¹⁰, 5×10¹⁰ to 1×10¹¹, 5×10¹¹ to 1×10¹², 1×10¹² to 5×10¹², and 5×10¹² to 1×10¹³.

In some embodiments, an effective dosage of TILs is in the range of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 4.3 mg/kg, about 0.15 mg/kg to about 3.6 mg/kg, about 0.3 mg/kg to about 3.2 mg/kg, about 0.35 mg/kg to about 2.85 mg/kg, about 0.15 mg/kg to about 2.85 mg/kg, about 0.3 mg to about 2.15 mg/kg, about 0.45 mg/kg to about 1.7 mg/kg, about 0.15 mg/kg to about 1.3 mg/kg, about 0.3 mg/kg to about 1.15 mg/kg, about 0.45 mg/kg to about 1 mg/kg, about 0.55 mg/kg to about 0.85 mg/kg, about 0.65 mg/kg to about 0.8 mg/kg, about 0.7 mg/kg to about 0.75 mg/kg, about 0.7 mg/kg to about 2.15 mg/kg, about 0.85 mg/kg to about 2 mg/kg, about 1 mg/kg to about 1.85 mg/kg, about 1.15 mg/kg to about 1.7 mg/kg, about 1.3 mg/kg mg to about 1.6 mg/kg, about 1.35 mg/kg to about 1.5 mg/kg, about 2.15 mg/kg to about 3.6 mg/kg, about 2.3 mg/kg to about 3.4 mg/kg, about 2.4 mg/kg to about 3.3 mg/kg, about 2.6 mg/kg to about 3.15 mg/kg, about 2.7 mg/kg to about 3 mg/kg, about 2.8 mg/kg to about 3 mg/kg, or about 2.85 mg/kg to about 2.95 mg/kg.

In some embodiments, an effective dosage of TILs is in the range of about 1 mg to about 500 mg, about 10 mg to about 300 mg, about 20 mg to about 250 mg, about 25 mg to about 200 mg, about 1 mg to about 50 mg, about 5 mg to about 45 mg, about 10 mg to about 40 mg, about 15 mg to about 35 mg, about 20 mg to about 30 mg, about 23 mg to about 28 mg, about 50 mg to about 150 mg, about 60 mg to about 140 mg, about 70 mg to about 130 mg, about 80 mg to about 120 mg, about 90 mg to about 110 mg, or about 95 mg to about 10⁵ mg, about 98 mg to about 102 mg, about 150 mg to about 250 mg, about 160 mg to about 240 mg, about 170 mg to about 230 mg, about 180 mg to about 220 mg, about 190 mg to about 210 mg, about 195 mg to about 205 mg, or about 198 to about 207 mg.

An effective amount of the TILs may be administered in either single or multiple doses by any of the accepted modes of administration of agents having similar utilities, including intranasal and transdermal routes, by intra-arterial injection, intravenously, intraperitoneally, parenterally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, topically, by transplantation, or by inhalation.

VII. Methods of Treating Patients

Methods of treatment begin with the initial TIL collection and culture of TILs. Such methods have been both described in the art by, for example, Jin et al., J Immunotherapy, 2012, 35(3):283-292, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Embodiments of methods of treatment are described throughout the sections below, including the Examples.

The expanded TILs produced according the methods described herein, including for example as described in Steps A through F above or according to Steps A through F above (also as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 ) find particular use in the treatment of patients with cancer (for example, as described in Goff, et al., J Clinical Oncology, 2016, 34(20):2389-239, as well as the supplemental content; incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In some embodiments, TIL were grown from resected deposits of metastatic melanoma as previously described (see, Dudley, et al., J Immunother., 2003, 26:332-342; incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). Fresh tumor can be dissected under sterile conditions. A representative sample can be collected for formal pathologic analysis. Single fragments of 2 mm³ to 3 mm³ may be used. In some embodiments, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 samples per patient are obtained. In some embodiments, 20, 25, or 30 samples per patient are obtained. In some embodiments, 20, 22, 24, 26, or 28 samples per patient are obtained. In some embodiments, 24 samples per patient are obtained. Samples can be placed in individual wells of a 24-well plate, maintained in growth media with high-dose IL-2 (6,000 IU/mL), and monitored for destruction of tumor and/or proliferation of TIL. Any tumor with viable cells remaining after processing can be enzymatically digested into a single cell suspension and cryopreserved, as described herein.

In some embodiments, successfully grown TIL can be sampled for phenotype analysis (CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD56) and tested against autologous tumor when available. TIL can be considered reactive if overnight coculture yielded interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels >200 μg/mL and twice background. (Goff, et al., J Immunother., 2010, 33:840-847; incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). In some embodiments, cultures with evidence of autologous reactivity or sufficient growth patterns can be selected for a second expansion, (for example, a second expansion as provided in according to Step D of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 ), including second expansions that are sometimes referred to as rapid expansion (REP). In some embodiments, expanded TILs with high autologous reactivity (for example, high proliferation during a second expansion), are selected for an additional second expansion. In some embodiments, TILs with high autologous reactivity (for example, high proliferation during second expansion as provided in Step D of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 ), are selected for an additional second expansion according to Step D of FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 .

Cell phenotypes of cryopreserved samples of infusion bag TIL can be analyzed by flow cytometry (e.g., FlowJo) for surface markers CD3, CD4, CD8, CCR7, and CD45RA (BD BioSciences), as well as by any of the methods described herein. Serum cytokines were measured by using standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. A rise in serum IFN-g was defined as >100 μg/mL and greater than 4 3 baseline levels.

In some embodiments, the TILs produced by the methods provided herein, for example those exemplified in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 , provide for a surprising improvement in clinical efficacy of the TILs. In some embodiments, the TILs produced by the methods provided herein, for example those exemplified in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 , exhibit increased clinical efficacy as compared to TILs produced by methods other than those described herein, including for example, methods other than those exemplified in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, the methods other than those described herein include methods referred to as process 1C and/or Generation 1 (Gen 1). In some embodiments, the increased efficacy is measured by DCR, ORR, and/or other clinical responses. In some embodiments, the TILs produced by the methods provided herein, for example those exemplified in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , exhibit a similar time to response and safety profile compared to TILs produced by methods other than those described herein, including for example, methods other than those exemplified in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 .

In some embodiments, IFN-gamma (IFN-γ) is indicative of treatment efficacy and/or increased clinical efficacy. In some embodiments, IFN-γ in the blood of subjects treated with TILs is indicative of active TILs. In some embodiments, a potency assay for IFN-γ production is employed. IFN-γ production is another measure of cytotoxic potential. IFN-γ production can be measured by determining the levels of the cytokine IFN-γ in the blood, serum, or TILs ex vivo of a subject treated with TILs prepared by the methods of the present invention, including those as described for example in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, an increase in IFN-γ is indicative of treatment efficacy in a patient treated with the TILs produced by the methods of the present invention. In some embodiments, IFN-γ is increased one-fold, two-fold, three-fold, four-fold, or five-fold or more as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, IFN-γ secretion is increased one-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, IFN-γ secretion is increased two-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, IFN-γ secretion is increased three-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, IFN-γ secretion is increased four-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, IFN-γ secretion is increased five-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, IFN-γ is measured using a Quantikine ELISA kit. In some embodiments, IFN-γ is measured in TILs ex vivo of a subject treated with TILs prepared by the methods of the present invention, including those as described for example in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, IFN-γ is measured in blood of a subject treated with TILs prepared by the methods of the present invention, including those as described for example in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, IFN-γ is measured in TILs serum of a subject treated with TILs prepared by the methods of the present invention, including those as described for example in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, IFN-gamma (IFN-γ) is indicative of treatment efficacy and/or increased clinical efficacy in the treatment of cancer.

In some embodiments, the TILs prepared by the methods of the present invention, including those as described for example in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, IFN-gamma (IFN-γ) is indicative of treatment efficacy and/or increased clinical efficacy. In some embodiments, IFN-γ in the blood of subjects treated with TILs is indicative of active TILs. In some embodiments, a potency assay for IFN-γ production is employed. IFN-γ production is another measure of cytotoxic potential. IFN-γ production can be measured by determining the levels of the cytokine IFN-γ in the blood, serum, or TILs ex vivo of a subject treated with TILs prepared by the methods of the present invention, including those as described for example in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, an increase in IFN-γ is indicative of treatment efficacy in a patient treated with the TILs produced by the methods of the present invention. In some embodiments, IFN-γ is increased one-fold, two-fold, three-fold, four-fold, or five-fold or more IFN-γ as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 .

In some embodiments, the TILs prepared by the methods of the present invention, including those as described for example in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 , exhibit increased polyclonality as compared to TILs produced by other methods, including those not exemplified in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 , including for example, methods referred to as process 1C methods. In some embodiments, significantly improved polyclonality and/or increased polyclonality is indicative of treatment efficacy and/or increased clinical efficacy. In some embodiments, polyclonality refers to the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, an increase in polyclonality can be indicative of treatment efficacy with regard to administration of the TILs produced by the methods of the present invention. In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased one-fold, two-fold, ten-fold, 100-fold, 500-fold, or 1000-fold as compared to TILs prepared using methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased one-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 .

In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased two-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased ten-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased 100-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased 500-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased 1000-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 8 .

Measures of efficacy can include the disease control rate (DCR) as well as overall response rate (ORR), as known in the art as well as described herein.

A. Methods of Treating Cancers

The compositions and methods described herein can be used in a method for treating diseases. In some embodiments, they are for use in treating hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancer, in an adult patient or in a pediatric patient. They may also be used in treating other disorders as described herein and in the following paragraphs.

In some embodiments, the hyperproliferative disorder is cancer. In some embodiments, the hyperproliferative disorder is a solid tumor cancer. In some embodiments, the solid tumor cancer is selected from the group consisting of anal cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer (including triple-negative breast cancer), bone cancer, cancer caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), central nervous system associated cancer (including ependymoma, medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma, pineoblastoma, and primitive neuroectodermal tumor), cervical cancer (including squamous cell cervical cancer, adenosquamous cervical cancer, and cervical adenocarcinoma), colon cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, esophagogastric junction cancer, gastric cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, glioblastoma, glioma, head and neck cancer (including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), hypopharynx cancer, larynx cancer, nasopharynx cancer, oropharynx cancer, and pharynx cancer), kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer (including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer), melanoma (including uveal melanoma, choroidal melanoma, ciliary body melanoma, or iris melanoma), mesothelioma (including malignant pleural mesothelioma), ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer (including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma), penile cancer, rectal cancer, renal cancer, renal cell carcinoma, sarcoma (including Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and other bone and soft tissue sarcomas), thyroid cancer (including anaplastic thyroid cancer), uterine cancer, and vaginal cancer.

In some embodiments, the hyperproliferative disorder is a hematological malignancy. In some embodiments, the hematological malignancy is selected from the group consisting of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, diffuse large B cell lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the cancer is a hematological malignancy. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer using TILs, MILs, or PBLs modified to express one or more CCRs, wherein the cancer is a hematological malignancy. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer using MILs or PBLs modified to express one or more CCRs, wherein the cancer is a hematological malignancy.

In some embodiments, the cancer is one of the foregoing cancers, including solid tumor cancers and hematological malignancies, that is relapsed or refractory to treatment with at least one prior therapy, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy. In some embodiments, the cancer is one of the foregoing cancers that is relapsed or refractory to treatment with at least two prior therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or immunotherapy. In some embodiments, the cancer is one of the foregoing cancers that is relapsed or refractory to treatment with at least three prior therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or immunotherapy.

In some embodiments, the cancer is a microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or a mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) cancer. MSI-H and dMMR cancers and testing therefore have been described in Kawakami, et al., Curr. Treat. Options Oncol. 2015, 16, 30, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer using TILs, MILs, or PBLs modified to express one or more CCRs, wherein the patient is a human. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer using TILs, MILs, or PBLs modified to express one or more CCRs, wherein the patient is a non-human. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer using TILs, MILs, or PBLs modified to express one or more CCRs, wherein the patient is a companion animal.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the cancer is refractory to treatment with a BRAF inhibitor and/or a MEK inhibitor. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the cancer is refractory to treatment with a BRAF inhibitor selected from the group consisting of vemurafenib, dabrafenib, encorafenib, sorafenib, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the cancer is refractory to treatment with a MEK inhibitor selected from the group consisting of trametinib, cobimetinib, binimetinib, selumetinib, pimasertinib, refametinib, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the cancer is refractory to treatment with a BRAF inhibitor selected from the group consisting of vemurafenib, dabrafenib, encorafenib, sorafenib, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, and a MEK inhibitor selected from the group consisting of trametinib, cobimetinib, binimetinib, selumetinib, pimasertinib, refametinib, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the cancer is a pediatric cancer.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer wherein the cancer is uveal melanoma.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the uveal melanoma is choroidal melanoma, ciliary body melanoma, or iris melanoma.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the pediatric cancer is a neuroblastoma.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the pediatric cancer is a sarcoma.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the sarcoma is osteosarcoma.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the sarcoma is a soft tissue sarcoma.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the soft tissue sarcoma is rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, or primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET).

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the pediatric cancer is a central nervous system (CNS) associated cancer. In some embodiments, the pediatric cancer is refractory to treatment with chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the pediatric cancer is refractory to treatment with radiation therapy. In some embodiments, the pediatric cancer is refractory to treatment with dinutuximab.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a method of treating a patient with a cancer, wherein the CNS associated cancer is medulloblastoma, pineoblastoma, glioma, ependymoma, or glioblastoma.

The compositions and methods described herein can be used in a method for treating cancer, wherein the cancer is refractory or resistant to prior treatment with an anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, the patient is a primary refractory patient to an anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, the patient shows no prior response to an anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, the patient shows a prior response to an anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody, follow by progression of the patient's cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is refractory to an anti-CTLA-4 antibody and/or an anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody in combination with at least one chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the prior chemotherapeutic agent is carboplatin, paclitaxel, pemetrexed, and/or cisplatin. In some prior embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent(s) is a platinum doublet chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the platinum doublet therapy comprises a first chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of cisplatin and carboplatin and a second chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of vinorelbine, gemcitabine and a taxane (including for example, paclitaxel, docetaxel or nab-paclitaxel). In some embodiments, the platinum doublet chemotherapeutic agent is in combination with pemetrexed.

In some embodiments, the NSCLC is PD-L1 negative and/or is from a patient with a cancer that expresses PD-L1 with a tumor proportion score (TPS) of <1%, as described elsewhere herein.

In some embodiments, the NSCLC is refractory to a combination therapy comprising an anti-PD-1 or the anti-PD-L1 antibody and a platinum doublet therapy, wherein the platinum doublet therapy comprises:

-   -   i) a first chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group         consisting of cisplatin and carboplatin,     -   ii) and a second chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group         consisting of vinorelbine, gemcitabine and a taxane (including         for example, paclitaxel, docetaxel or nab-paclitaxel).

In some embodiments, the NSCLC is refractory to a combination therapy comprising an anti-PD-1 or the anti-PD-L1 antibody, pemetrexed, and a platinum doublet therapy, wherein the platinum doublet therapy comprises:

-   -   i) a first chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group         consisting of cisplatin and carboplatin,     -   ii) and a second chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group         consisting of vinorelbine, gemcitabine and a taxane (including         for example, paclitaxel, docetaxel or nab-paclitaxel).

In some embodiments, the NSCLC has been treated with an anti-PD-1 antibody. In some embodiments, the NSCLC has been treated with an anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, the NSCLC patient is treatment naive. In some embodiments, the NSCLC has not been treated with an anti-PD-1 antibody. In some embodiments, the NSCLC has not been treated with an anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, the NSCLC has been previously treated with a chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the NSCLC has been previously treated with a chemotherapeutic agent but is not longer being treated with the chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the NSCLC patient is anti-PD-1/PD-L1 naive. In some embodiments, the NSCLC patient has low expression of PD-L1. In some embodiments, the NSCLC patient has treatment naive NSCLC or is post-chemotherapeutic treatment but anti-PD-1/PD-L1 naive. In some embodiments, the NSCLC patient is treatment naive or post-chemotherapeutic treatment but anti-PD-1/PD-L1 naive and has low expression of PD-L1. In some embodiments, the NSCLC patient has bulky disease at baseline. In some embodiments, the subject has bulky disease at baseline and has low expression of PD-L1. In some embodiments, the NSCLC patient has no detectable expression of PD-L1. In some embodiments, the NSCLC patient is treatment naive or post-chemotherapeutic treatment but anti-PD-1/PD-L1 naive and has no detectable expression of PD-L1. In some embodiments, the patient has bulky disease at baseline and has no detectable expression of PD-L1. In some embodiments, the NSCLC patient has treatment naive NSCLC or post chemotherapy (e.g., post chemotherapeutic agent) but anti-PD-1/PD-L1 naive who have low expression of PD-L1 and/or have bulky disease at baseline. In some embodiments, bulky disease is indicated where the maximal tumor diameter is greater than 7 cm measured in either the transverse or coronal plane. In some embodiments, bulky disease is indicated when there are swollen lymph nodes with a short-axis diameter of 20 mm or greater. In some embodiments, the chemotherapeutic includes a standard of care therapeutic for NSCLC.

In some embodiments, PD-L1 expression is determined by the tumor proportion score. In some embodiments, the subject with a refractory NSCLC tumor has a<1% tumor proportion score (TPS). In some embodiments, the subject with a refractory NSCLC tumor has a >1% TPS. In some embodiments, subject with the refractory NSCLC has been previously treated with an anti-PD-1 and/or anti-PD-L1 antibody and the tumor proportion score was determined prior to said anti-PD-1 and/or anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment. In some embodiments, subject with the refractory NSCLC has been previously treated with an anti-PD-L1 antibody and the tumor proportion score was determined prior to said anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment.

In some embodiments, the TILs prepared by the methods of the present invention, including those as described for example in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , exhibit increased polyclonality as compared to TILs produced by other methods, including those not exemplified in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 , such as for example, methods referred to as process 1C methods. In some embodiments, significantly improved polyclonality and/or increased polyclonality is indicative of treatment efficacy and/or increased clinical efficacy for cancer treatment. In some embodiments, polyclonality refers to the T-cell repertoire diversity. In some embodiments, an increase in polyclonality can be indicative of treatment efficacy with regard to administration of the TILs produced by the methods of the present invention. In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased one-fold, two-fold, ten-fold, 100-fold, 500-fold, or 1000-fold as compared to TILs prepared using methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased one-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased two-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased ten-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased 100-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased 500-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, polyclonality is increased 1000-fold as compared to an untreated patient and/or as compared to a patient treated with TILs prepared using other methods than those provide herein including for example, methods other than those embodied in FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 .

In some embodiments, PD-L1 expression is determined by the tumor proportion score using one more testing methods as described herein. In some embodiments, the subject or patient with a NSCLC tumor has a <1% tumor proportion score (TPS). In some embodiments, the NSCLC tumor has a ≥1% TPS. In some embodiments, the subject or patient with the NSCLC has been previously treated with an anti-PD-1 and/or anti-PD-L1 antibody and the tumor proportion score was determined prior to the anti-PD-1 and/or anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment. In some embodiments, the subject or patient with the NSCLC has been previously treated with an anti-PD-L1 antibody and the tumor proportion score was determined prior to the anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment. In some embodiments, the subject or patient with a refractory or resistant NSCLC tumor has a<1% tumor proportion score (TPS). In some embodiments, the subject or patient with a refractory or resistant NSCLC tumor has a >1% TPS. In some embodiments, the subject or patient with the refractory or resistant NSCLC has been previously treated with an anti-PD-1 and/or anti-PD-L1 antibody and the tumor proportion score was determined prior to the anti-PD-1 and/or anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment. In some embodiments, the subject or patient with the refractory or resistant NSCLC has been previously treated with an anti-PD-L1 antibody and the tumor proportion score was determined prior to the anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment.

In some embodiments, the NSCLC is an NSCLC that exhibits a tumor proportion score (TPS), or the percentage of viable tumor cells from a patient taken prior to anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 therapy, showing partial or complete membrane staining at any intensity, for the PD-L1 protein that is less than 1% (TPS<1%). In some embodiments, the NSCLC is an NSCLC that exhibits a TPS selected from the group consisting of <50%, <45%, <40%, <35%, <30%, <25%, <20%, <15%, <10%, <9%, <8%, <7%, <6%, <5%, <4%, <3%, <2%, <1%, <0.9%, <0.8%, <0.7%, <0.6%, <0.5%, <0.4%, <0.3%, <0.2%, <0.1%, <0.09%, <0.08%, <0.07%, <0.06%, <0.05%, <0.04%, <0.03%, <0.02%, and <0.01%. In some embodiments, the NSCLC is an NSCLC that exhibits a TPS selected from the group consisting of about 50%, about 45%, about 40%, about 35%, about 30%, about 25%, about 20%, about 15%, about 10%, about 9%, about 8%, about 7%, about 6%, about 5%, about 4%, about 3%, about 2%, about 1%, about 0.9%, about 0.8%, about 0.7%, about 0.6%, about 0.5%, about 0.4%, about 0.3%, about 0.2%, about 0.1%, about 0.09%, about 0.08%, about 0.07%, about 0.06%, about 0.05%, about 0.04%, about 0.03%, about 0.02%, and about 0.01%. In some embodiments, the NSCLC is an NSCLC that exhibits a TPS between 0% and 1%. In some embodiments, the NSCLC is an NSCLC that exhibits a TPS between 0% and 0.9%. In some embodiments, the NSCLC is an NSCLC that exhibits a TPS between 0% and 0.8%. In some embodiments, the NSCLC is an NSCLC that exhibits a TPS between 0% and 0.7%. In some embodiments, the NSCLC is an NSCLC that exhibits a TPS between 0% and 0.6%. In some embodiments, the NSCLC is an NSCLC that exhibits a TPS between 0% and 0.5%. In some embodiments, the NSCLC is an NSCLC that exhibits a TPS between 0% and 0.4%. In some embodiments, the NSCLC is an NSCLC that exhibits a TPS between 0% and 0.3%. In some embodiments, the NSCLC is an NSCLC that exhibits a TPS between 0% and 0.2%. In some embodiments, the NSCLC is an NSCLC that exhibits a TPS between 0% and 0.1%. TPS may be measured by methods known in the art, such as those described in Hirsch, et al. J Thorac. Oncol. 2017, 12, 208-222 or those used for the determination of TPS prior to treatment with pembrolizumab or other anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 therapies. Methods for measurement of TPS that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may also be used. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 is exosomal PD-L1. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 is found on circulating tumor cells.

In some embodiments, the partial membrane staining includes 1%, 5%, 10%, 1⁵%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99%, or more. In some embodiments, the completed membrane staining includes approximately 100% membrane staining.

In some embodiments, testing for PD-L1 can involve measuring levels of PD-L1 in patient serum. In these embodiments, measurement of PD-L1 in patient serum removes the uncertainty of tumor heterogeneity and the patient discomfort of serial biopsies.

In some embodiments, elevated soluble PD-L1 as compared to a baseline or standard level correlates with worsened prognosis in NSCLC. See, for example, Okuma, et al., Clinical Lung Cancer, 2018, 19, 410-417; Vecchiarelli, et al., Oncotarget, 2018, 9, 17554-17563. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 is exosomal PD-L1. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 is expressed on circulating tumor cells.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by administering a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to a subject or patient in need thereof, wherein the subject or patient has at least one of:

-   -   a predetermined tumor proportion score (TPS) of PD-L1<1%,     -   a TPS score of PD-L1 of 1%-49%, or     -   a predetermined absence of one or more driver mutations,     -   wherein the driver mutation is selected from the group         consisting of an EGFR mutation, an EGFR insertion, an EGFR exon         20 mutation, a KRAS mutation, a BRAF mutation, an ALK mutation,         a c-ROS mutation (ROS1 mutation), a ROS1 fusion, a RET mutation,         a RET fusion, an ERBB2 mutation, an ERBB2 amplification, a BRCA         mutation, a MAP2K1 mutation, PIK3CA, CDKN2A, a PTEN mutation, an         UMD mutation, an NRAS mutation, a KRAS mutation, an NF1         mutation, a MET mutation, a MET splice and/or altered MET         signaling, a TP53 mutation, a CREBBP mutation, a KMT2C mutation,         a KMT2D mutation, an ARIDTA mutation, a RB1 mutation, an ATM         mutation, a SETD2 mutation, a FLT3 mutation, a PTPN11 mutation,         a FGFR1 mutation, an EP300 mutation, a MYC mutation, an EZH2         mutation, a JAK2 mutation, a FBXW7 mutation, a CCND3 mutation,         and a GNA11 mutation, and wherein the method comprises:     -   (a) obtaining and/or receiving a first population of TILs from a         tumor resected from the subject or patient by processing a tumor         sample obtained from the subject into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (b) adding the first population of TILs into a closed system;     -   (c) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (b) to step (c)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (d) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a         third population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is         performed for about 7-14 days to obtain the third population of         TILs, wherein the third population of TILs is a therapeutic         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed in         a closed container providing a second gas-permeable surface         area, and wherein the transition from step (c) to step (d)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (e) harvesting therapeutic population of TILs obtained from step         (d), wherein the transition from step (d) to step (e) occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (f) transferring the harvested TIL population from step (e) to         an infusion bag, wherein the transfer from step (e) to (f)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (g) cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the harvested TIL         population from step (f) using a cryopreservation process; and     -   (h) administering a therapeutically effective dosage of the         third population of TILs from the infusion bag in step (g) to         the subject or patient.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by administering a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to a patient in need thereof, wherein the method comprises:

-   -   (a) testing the patient's tumor for PD-L1 expression and tumor         proportion score (TPS) of PD-L1,     -   (b) testing the patient for the absence of one or more driver         mutations, wherein the driver mutation is selected from the         group consisting of an EGFR mutation, an EGFR insertion, an EGFR         exon 20 mutation, a KRAS mutation, a BRAF mutation, an ALK         mutation, a c-ROS mutation (ROS1 mutation), a ROS1 fusion, a RET         mutation, a RET fusion, an ERBB2 mutation, an ERBB2         amplification, a BRCA mutation, a MAP2K1 mutation, PIK3CA,         CDKN2A, a PTEN mutation, an UMD mutation, an NRAS mutation, a         KRAS mutation, an NF1 mutation, a MET mutation, a MET splice         and/or altered MET signaling, a TP53 mutation, a CREBBP         mutation, a KMT2C mutation, a KMT2D mutation, an ARIDTA         mutation, a RB1 mutation, an ATM mutation, a SETD2 mutation, a         FLT3 mutation, a PTPN11 mutation, a FGFR1 mutation, an EP300         mutation, a MYC mutation, an EZH2 mutation, a JAK2 mutation, a         FBXW7 mutation, a CCND3 mutation, and a GNA11 mutation,     -   (c) determining that the patient has a TPS score for PD-L1 of         about 1% to about 49% and determining that the patient also has         no driver mutations,     -   (d) obtaining and/or receiving a first population of TILs from a         tumor resected from the subject or patient by processing a tumor         sample obtained from the subject into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (e) adding the first population of TILs into a closed system;     -   (f) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (g) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a         third population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is         performed for about 7-14 days to obtain the third population of         TILs, wherein the third population of TILs is a therapeutic         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed in         a closed container providing a second gas-permeable surface         area, and wherein the transition from step (f) to step (g)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (h) harvesting therapeutic population of TILs obtained from step         (d), wherein the transition from step (d) to step (e) occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (i) transferring the harvested TIL population from step (e) to         an infusion bag, wherein the transfer from step (e) to (f)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (j) cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the harvested TIL         population from step (f) using a cryopreservation process; and     -   (k) administering a therapeutically effective dosage of the         third population of TILs from the infusion bag in step (g) to         the subject or patient.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by administering a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to a patient in need thereof, wherein the method comprises:

-   -   (a) testing the patient's tumor for PD-L1 expression and tumor         proportion score (TPS) of PD-L1,     -   (b) testing the patient for the absence of one or more driver         mutations, wherein the driver mutation is selected from the         group consisting of an EGFR mutation, an EGFR insertion, an EGFR         exon 20 mutation, a KRAS mutation, a BRAF mutation, an ALK         mutation, a c-ROS mutation (ROS1 mutation), a ROS1 fusion, a RET         mutation, a RET fusion, an ERBB2 mutation, an ERBB2         amplification, a BRCA mutation, a MAP2K1 mutation, PIK3CA,         CDKN2A, a PTEN mutation, an UMD mutation, an NRAS mutation, a         KRAS mutation, an NF1 mutation, a MET mutation, a MET splice         and/or altered MET signaling, a TP53 mutation, a CREBBP         mutation, a KMT2C mutation, a KMT2D mutation, an ARIDTA         mutation, a RB1 mutation, an ATM mutation, a SETD2 mutation, a         FLT3 mutation, a PTPN11 mutation, a FGFR1 mutation, an EP300         mutation, a MYC mutation, an EZH2 mutation, a JAK2 mutation, a         FBXW7 mutation, a CCND3 mutation, and a GNA11 mutation,     -   (c) determining that the patient has a TPS score for PD-L1 of         less than about 1% and determining that the patient also has no         driver mutations,     -   (d) obtaining and/or receiving a first population of TILs from a         tumor resected from the subject or patient by processing a tumor         sample obtained from the subject into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (e) adding the first population of TILs into a closed system;     -   (f) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (g) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a         third population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is         performed for about 7-14 days to obtain the third population of         TILs, wherein the third population of TILs is a therapeutic         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed in         a closed container providing a second gas-permeable surface         area, and wherein the transition from step (f) to step (g)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (h) harvesting therapeutic population of TILs obtained from step         (d), wherein the transition from step (d) to step (e) occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (i) transferring the harvested TIL population from step (e) to         an infusion bag, wherein the transfer from step (e) to (f)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (j) cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the harvested TIL         population from step (f) using a cryopreservation process; and     -   (k) administering a therapeutically effective dosage of the         third population of TILs from the infusion bag in step (g) to         the subject or patient.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by administering a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to a patient in need thereof, wherein the method comprises:

-   -   (a) testing the patient's tumor for PD-L1 expression and tumor         proportion score (TPS) of PD-L1,     -   (b) testing the patient for the absence of one or more driver         mutations, wherein the driver mutation is selected from the         group consisting of an EGFR mutation, an EGFR insertion, a KRAS         mutation, a BRAF mutation, an ALK mutation, a c-ROS mutation         (ROS1 mutation), a ROS1 fusion, a RET mutation, or a RET fusion,     -   (c) determining that the patient has a TPS score for PD-L1 of         about 1% to about 49% and determining that the patient also has         no driver mutations,     -   (d) obtaining and/or receiving a first population of TILs from a         tumor resected from the subject or patient by processing a tumor         sample obtained from the subject into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (e) adding the first population of TILs into a closed system;     -   (f) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (g) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a         third population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is         performed for about 7-14 days to obtain the third population of         TILs, wherein the third population of TILs is a therapeutic         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed in         a closed container providing a second gas-permeable surface         area, and wherein the transition from step (f) to step (g)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (h) harvesting therapeutic population of TILs obtained from step         (d), wherein the transition from step (d) to step (e) occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (i) transferring the harvested TIL population from step (e) to         an infusion bag, wherein the transfer from step (e) to (f)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (j) cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the harvested TIL         population from step (f) using a cryopreservation process; and     -   (k) administering a therapeutically effective dosage of the         third population of TILs from the infusion bag in step (g) to         the subject or patient.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by administering a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to a patient in need thereof, wherein the method comprises:

-   -   (a) testing the patient's tumor for PD-L1 expression and tumor         proportion score (TPS) of PD-L1,     -   (b) testing the patient for the absence of one or more driver         mutations, wherein the driver mutation is selected from the         group consisting of an EGFR mutation, an EGFR insertion, a KRAS         mutation, a BRAF mutation, an ALK mutation, a c-ROS mutation         (ROS1 mutation), a ROS1 fusion, a RET mutation, or a RET fusion,     -   (c) determining that the patient has a TPS score for PD-L1 of         less than about 1% and determining that the patient also has no         driver mutations,     -   (d) obtaining and/or receiving a first population of TILs from a         tumor resected from the subject or patient by processing a tumor         sample obtained from the subject into multiple tumor fragments;     -   (e) adding the first population of TILs into a closed system;     -   (f) performing a first expansion by culturing the first         population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to         produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion         is performed in a closed container providing a first         gas-permeable surface area, wherein the first expansion is         performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of         TILs, and wherein the transition from step (e) to step (f)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (g) performing a second expansion by supplementing the cell         culture medium of the second population of TILs with additional         IL-2, OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a         third population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is         performed for about 7-14 days to obtain the third population of         TILs, wherein the third population of TILs is a therapeutic         population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed in         a closed container providing a second gas-permeable surface         area, and wherein the transition from step (f) to step (g)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (h) harvesting therapeutic population of TILs obtained from step         (d), wherein the transition from step (d) to step (e) occurs         without opening the system; and     -   (i) transferring the harvested TIL population from step (e) to         an infusion bag, wherein the transfer from step (e) to (f)         occurs without opening the system;     -   (j) cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the harvested TIL         population from step (f) using a cryopreservation process; and     -   (k) administering a therapeutically effective dosage of the         third population of TILs from the infusion bag in step (g) to         the subject or patient.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a method for treating a subject with cancer comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective dosage of the therapeutic TIL population described herein.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a method for treating a subject with cancer comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective dosage of the TIL composition described herein.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that prior to administering the therapeutically effective dosage of the therapeutic TIL population and the TIL composition described herein, respectively, a non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen has been administered to the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen comprises the steps of administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for five days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified to further comprise the step of treating the subject with a high-dose IL-2 regimen starting on the day after administration of the TIL cells to the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that the high-dose IL-2 regimen comprises 600,000 or 720,000 IU/kg administered as a 15-minute bolus intravenous infusion every eight hours until tolerance.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that the cancer is a solid tumor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that the cancer is melanoma, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), lung cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer, cancer caused by human papilloma virus, head and neck cancer (including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)), glioblastoma (including GBM), gastrointestinal cancer, renal cancer, or renal cell carcinoma.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that the cancer is melanoma, HNSCC, cervical cancers, NSCLC, glioblastoma (including GBM), and gastrointestinal cancer.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that the cancer is melanoma.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that the cancer is HNSCC.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that the cancer is a cervical cancer.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that the cancer is NSCLC.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that the cancer is glioblastoma (including GBM).

In other embodiments, the invention provides a method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that the cancer is gastrointestinal cancer.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that the cancer is a hypermutated cancer.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a method for treating a subject with cancer described herein modified such that the cancer is a pediatric hypermutated cancer.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population described herein for use in a method for treating a subject with cancer comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective dosage of the therapeutic TIL population.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a TIL composition described herein for use in a method for treating a subject with cancer comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective dosage of the TIL composition.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population described herein or the TIL composition described herein modified such that prior to administering to the subject the therapeutically effective dosage of the therapeutic TIL population described herein or the TIL composition described herein, a non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen has been administered to the subject.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or the TIL composition described herein modified such that the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen comprises the steps of administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for five days.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or a TIL composition described herein modified to further comprise the step of treating patient with a high-dose IL-2 regimen starting on the day after administration of the TIL cells to the patient.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or a TIL composition described herein modified such that the high-dose IL-2 regimen comprises 600,000 or 720,000 IU/kg administered as a 15-minute bolus intravenous infusion every eight hours until tolerance.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or a TIL composition described herein modified such that the cancer is a solid tumor.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or a TIL composition described herein modified such that the cancer is melanoma, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), lung cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer, cancer caused by human papilloma virus, head and neck cancer (including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)), glioblastoma (including GBM), gastrointestinal cancer, renal cancer, or renal cell carcinoma.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or a TIL composition described herein modified such that the cancer is melanoma, HNSCC, cervical cancers, NSCLC, glioblastoma (including GBM), and gastrointestinal cancer.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or a TIL composition described herein modified such that the cancer is melanoma.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or a TIL composition described herein modified such that the cancer is HNSCC.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or a TIL composition described herein modified such that the cancer is cervical cancer.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or a TIL composition described herein modified such that the cancer is NSCLC.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or a TIL composition described herein modified such that the cancer is glioblastoma.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or a TIL composition described herein modified such that the cancer is gastrointestinal cancer.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or a TIL composition described herein modified such that the cancer is a hypermutated cancer.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a therapeutic TIL population or a TIL composition described herein modified such that the cancer is a pediatric hypermutated cancer.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the use of a therapeutic TIL population described herein in a method of treating cancer in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective dosage of the therapeutic TIL population.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the use of a TIL composition described in any of the preceding paragraphs in a method of treating cancer in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective dosage of the TIL composition.

In other embodiments, the invention provides the use of a therapeutic TIL population described herein or a TIL composition described herein in a method of treating cancer in a patient comprising administering to the patient a non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen and then administering to the subject the therapeutically effective dosage of the therapeutic TIL population described in any of the preceding paragraphs or the therapeutically effective dosage of the TIL composition described herein.

B. Combinations with PD-1 and PD-L1 Inhibitors

In some embodiments, the TIL therapy provided to patients with cancer may include treatment with therapeutic populations of TILs alone or may include a combination treatment including TILs and one or more PD-1 and/or PD-L1 inhibitors.

Programmed death 1 (PD-1) is a 288-amino acid transmembrane immunocheckpoint receptor protein expressed by T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) T cells, activated monocytes, and dendritic cells. PD-1, which is also known as CD279, belongs to the CD28 family, and in humans is encoded by the Pdcdi gene on chromosome 2. PD-1 consists of one immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily domain, a transmembrane region, and an intracellular domain containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) and an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motif (ITSM). PD-1 and its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2) are known to play a key role in immune tolerance, as described in Keir, et al., Annu. Rev. Immunol. 2008, 26, 677-704. PD-1 provides inhibitory signals that negatively regulate T cell immune responses. PD-L1 (also known as B7-H1 or CD274) and PD-L2 (also known as B7-DC or CD273) are expressed on tumor cells and stromal cells, which may be encountered by activated T cells expressing PD-1, leading to immunosuppression of the T cells. PD-L1 is a 290 amino acid transmembrane protein encoded by the Cd²⁷⁴ gene on human chromosome 9. Blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 by use of a PD-1 inhibitor, a PD-L1 inhibitor, and/or a PD-L2 inhibitor can overcome immune resistance, as demonstrated in recent clinical studies, such as that described in Topalian, et al., N. Eng. J. Med. 2012, 366, 2443-54. PD-L1 is expressed on many tumor cell lines, while PD-L2 is expressed is expressed mostly on dendritic cells and a few tumor lines. In addition to T cells (which inducibly express PD-1 after activation), PD-1 is also expressed on B cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, activated monocytes, and dendritic cells.

In some embodiments, TILs and a PD-1 inhibitor are administered as a combination therapy or co-therapy for the treatment of NSCLC.

In some embodiments, the NSCLC has undergone no prior therapy. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor is administered as a front-line therapy or initial therapy. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor is administered as a front-line therapy or initial therapy in combination with the TILs as described herein.

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor may be any PD-1 inhibitor or PD-1 blocker known in the art. In particular, it is one of the PD-1 inhibitors or blockers described in more detail in the following paragraphs. The terms “inhibitor,” “antagonist,” and “blocker” are used interchangeably herein in reference to PD-1 inhibitors. For avoidance of doubt, references herein to a PD-1 inhibitor that is an antibody may refer to a compound or antigen-binding fragments, variants, conjugates, or biosimilars thereof. For avoidance of doubt, references herein to a PD-1 inhibitor may also refer to a small molecule compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, solvate, hydrate, cocrystal, or prodrug thereof.

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is an antibody (i.e., an anti-PD-1 antibody), a fragment thereof, including Fab fragments, or a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) thereof. In some embodiments the PD-1 inhibitor is a polyclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is a monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor competes for binding with PD-1, and/or binds to an epitope on PD-1. In some embodiments, the antibody competes for binding with PD-1, and/or binds to an epitope on PD-1.

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is one that binds human PD-1 with a KD of about 100 pM or lower, binds human PD-1 with a KD of about 90 pM or lower, binds human PD-1 with a KD of about 80 pM or lower, binds human PD-1 with a KD of about 70 pM or lower, binds human PD-1 with a KD of about 60 pM or lower, binds human PD-1 with a KD of about 50 pM or lower, binds human PD-1 with a KD of about 40 pM or lower, binds human PD-1 with a KD of about 30 pM or lower, binds human PD-1 with a KD of about 20 pM or lower, binds human PD-1 with a KD of about 10 pM or lower, or binds human PD-1 with a KD of about 1 pM or lower.

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is one that binds to human PD-1 with a k_(assoc) of about 7.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(assoc) of about 7.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(assoc) of about 8×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(assoc) of about 8.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(assoc) of about 9×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(assoc) of about 9.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, or binds to human PD-1 with a k_(assoc) of about 1×10⁶ 1/M·s or faster.

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is one that binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.1×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.2×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.3×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.4×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.5×10⁻⁵ ¹/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.6×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower or binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.7×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.8×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.9×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, or binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 3×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower.

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is one that blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 10 nM or lower, blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 9 nM or lower, blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 8 nM or lower, blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 7 nM or lower, blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 6 nM or lower, blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 5 nM or lower, blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 4 nM or lower, blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 3 nM or lower, blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 2 nM or lower, or blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 1 nM or lower.

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is nivolumab (commercially available as OPDIVO from Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.), or biosimilars, antigen-binding fragments, conjugates, or variants thereof. Nivolumab is a fully human IgG4 antibody blocking the PD-1 receptor. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is an immunoglobulin G4 kappa, anti-(human CD274) antibody. Nivolumab is assigned Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number 946414-94-4 and is also known as 5C4, BMS-936558, MDX-1106, and ONO-4538. The preparation and properties of nivolumab are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,008,449 and International Patent Publication No. WO 2006/121168, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. The clinical safety and efficacy of nivolumab in various forms of cancer has been described in Wang, et al., Cancer Immunol. Res. 2014, 2, 846-56; Page, et al., Ann. Rev. Med., 2014, 65, 185-202; and Weber, et al., J. Clin. Oncology, 2013, 31, 4311-4318, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. The amino acid sequences of nivolumab are set forth in Table 18. Nivolumab has intra-heavy chain disulfide linkages at 22-96,140-196, 254-314, 360-418, 22”-96”, 140”-196”, 254”-314”, and 360”-418”; intra-light chain disulfide linkages at 23′-88′, 134′-194′, 23′″-88′″, and 134′″-194′″; inter-heavy-light chain disulfide linkages at 127-214′, 127”-214′″, inter-heavy-heavy chain disulfide linkages at 219-219” and 222-222”; and N-glycosylation sites (H CH2 84.4) at 290, 290”.

In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises a heavy chain given by SEQ ID NO:158 and a light chain given by SEQ ID NO: 159. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains having the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:158 and SEQ ID NO:159, respectively, or antigen binding fragments, Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), variants, or conjugates thereof. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:158 and SEQ ID NO:159, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:158 and SEQ ID NO:159, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 158 and SEQ ID NO:159, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:158 and SEQ ID NO:159, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:158 and SEQ ID NO:159, respectively.

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of nivolumab. In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:160, and the PD-1 inhibitor light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:161, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:160 and SEQ ID NO:161, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:160 and SEQ ID NO:161, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:160 and SEQ ID NO:161, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:160 and SEQ ID NO:161, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:160 and SEQ ID NO:161, respectively.

In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:162, SEQ ID NO:163, and SEQ ID NO:164, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:165, SEQ ID NO:166, and SEQ ID NO:167, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody competes for binding with, and/or binds to the same epitope on PD-1 as any of the aforementioned antibodies.

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to nivolumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar comprises an anti-PD-1 antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is nivolumab. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is an anti-PD-1 antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal Attorney Docket No. 116983-5-110-US product or reference biological product is nivolumab. The anD-PD-i antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is nivolumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is nivolumab.

TABLE 18 Amino acid sequences for PD-1 inhibitors related to nivolumab. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 158 QVQLVESGGG VVQPGRSLRL DCKASGITFS NSGMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVAV IWYDGSKRYY 60 nivolumab ADSVKGRFTI SRDNSKNTLF LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCATND DYWGQGTLVT VSSASTKGPS 120 heavy chain VFPLAPCSRS TSESTAALGC LVKDYFPEPV TVSWNSGALT SGVHTFPAVL QSSGLYSLSS 180 VVTVPSSSLG TKTYTCNVDH KPSNTKVDKR VESKYGPPCP PCPAPEFLGG PSVFLFPPKP 240 KDTLMISRTP EVTCVVVDVS QEDPEVQFNW YVDGVEVHNA KTKPREEQFN STYRVVSVLT 300 VLHQDWLNGK EYKCKVSNKG LPSSIEKTIS KAKGQPREPQ VYTLPPSQEE MTKNQVSLTC 360 LVKGFYPSDI AVEWESNGQP ENNYKTTPPV LDSDGSFFLY SRLTVDKSRW QEGNVFSCSV 420 MHEALHNHYT QKSLSLSLGK 440 SEQ ID NO: 159 EIVLTQSPAT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQSVS SYLAWYQQKP GQAPRLLIYD ASNRATGIPA 60 nivolumab RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLEP EDFAVYYCQQ SSNWPRTFGQ GTKVEIKRTV AAPSVFIFPP 120 light chain SDEQLKSGTA SVVCLLNNFY PREAKVQWKV DNALQSGNSQ ESVTEQDSKD STYSLSSTLT 180 LSKADYEKHK VYACEVTHQG LSSPVTKSEN RGEC 214 SEQ ID NO: 160 QVQLVESGGG VVQPGRSLRL DCKASGITFS NSGMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVAV IWYDGSKRYY 60 nivolumab ADSVKGRFTI SRDNSKNTLF LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCATND DYWGQGTLVT VSS 113 variable heavy chain SEQ ID NO: 161 EIVLTQSPAT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQSVS SYLAWYQQKP GQAPRLLIYD ASNRATGIPA 60 nivolumab RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLEP EDFAVYYCQQ SSNWPRTFGQ GTKVEIK 107 variable light chain SEQ ID NO: 162 NSGMH 5 nivolumab heavy chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 163 VIWYDGSKRY YADSVKG 17 nivolumab heavy chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 164 NDDY 4 nivolumab heavy chain CDR3 SEQ ID NO: 165 RASQSVSSYL A 11 nivolumab light chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 166 DASNRAT 7 nivolumab light chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 167 QQSSNWPRT 9 nivolumab light chain CDR3

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is nivolumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the nivolumab is administered at a dose of about 0.5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg. In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is nivolumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the nivolumab is administered at a dose of about 0.5 mg/kg, about 1 mg/kg, about 1.5 mg/kg, about 2 mg/kg, about 2.5 mg/kg, about 3 mg/kg, about 3.5 mg/kg, about 4 mg/kg, about 4.5 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg, about 5.5 mg/kg, about 6 mg/kg, about 6.5 mg/kg, about 7 mg/kg, about 7.5 mg/kg, about 8 mg/kg, about 8.5 mg/kg, about 9 mg/kg, about 9.5 mg/kg, or about 10 mg/kg. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is nivolumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the nivolumab is administered at a dose of about 200 mg to about 500 mg. In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is nivolumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the nivolumab is administered at a dose of about 200 mg, about 220 mg, about 240 mg, about 260 mg, about 280 mg, about 300 mg, about 320 mg, about 340 mg, about 360 mg, about 380 mg, about 400 mg, about 420 mg, about 440 mg, about 460 mg, about 480 mg, or about 500 mg. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is nivolumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the nivolumab is administered every 2 weeks, every 3 weeks, every 4 weeks, every 5 weeks, or every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining atumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat unresectable or metastatic melanoma. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat unresectable or metastatic melanoma and is administered at about 240 mg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat unresectable or metastatic melanoma and is administered at about 480 mg every 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat unresectable or metastatic melanoma and is administered at about 1 mg/kg followed by ipilimumab 3 mg/kg on the same day every 3 weeks for 4 doses, then 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks.

In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered for the adjuvant treatment of melanoma. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered for the adjuvant treatment of melanoma at about 240 mg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered for the adjuvant treatment of melanoma at about 480 mg every 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer at about 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks along with ipilimumab at about 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer at about 360 mg every 3 weeks with ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer at about 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat small cell lung cancer. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat small cell lung cancer at about 240 mg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma at about 360 mg every 3 weeks with ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma at about 240 mg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma at about 480 mg every 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma at about 3 mg/kg followed by ipilimumab at about 1 mg/kg on the same day every 3 weeks for 4 doses, then 240 mg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma at about 3 mg/kg followed by ipilimumab at about 1 mg/kg on the same day every 3 weeks for 4 doses, then 240 mg every 2 weeks 480 mg every 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat classical Hodgkin lymphoma. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat classical Hodgkin lymphoma at about 240 mg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat classical Hodgkin lymphoma at about 480 mg every 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat Recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck at about 240 mg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck at about 480 mg every 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma at about 240 mg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma at about 480 mg every 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer in adult and pediatric patients. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer in adult and pediatric patients >40 kg at about 240 mg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer in adult and pediatric patients >40 kg at about 480 mg every 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer in pediatric patients <40 kg at about 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer in adult and pediatric patients >40 kg at about 3 mg/kg followed by ipilimumab 1 mg/kg on the same day every 3 weeks for 4 doses, then 240 mg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer in adult and pediatric patients >40 kg at about 3 mg/kg followed by ipilimumab 1 mg/kg on the same day every 3 weeks for 4 doses, then 480 mg every 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat hepatocellular carcinoma. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat hepatocellular carcinoma at about 240 mg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat hepatocellular carcinoma at about 480 mg every 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat hepatocellular carcinoma at about 1 mg/kg followed by ipilimumab 3 mg/kg on the same day every 3 weeks for 4 doses, then 240 mg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat hepatocellular carcinoma at about 1 mg/kg followed by ipilimumab 3 mg/kg on the same day every 3 weeks for 4 doses, then 480 mg every 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat esophageal squamous cell carcinoma at about 240 mg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab is administered to treat esophageal squamous cell carcinoma at about 480 mg every 4 weeks. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the nivolumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In other embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor comprises pembrolizumab (commercially available as KEYTRUDA from Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA), or antigen-binding fragments, conjugates, or variants thereof. Pembrolizumab is assigned CAS registry number 1374853-91-4 and is also known as lambrolizumab, MK-3475, and SCH-900475. Pembrolizumab has an immunoglobulin G4, anti-(human protein PDCD1 (programmed cell death 1)) (human-Mus musculus monoclonal heavy chain), disulfide with human-Mus musculus monoclonal light chain, dimer structure. The structure of pembrolizumab may also be described as immunoglobulin G4, anti-(human programmed cell death 1); humanized mouse monoclonal [228-L-proline(H10-S>P)]γ4 heavy chain (134-218′)-disulfide with humanized mouse monoclonal×light chain dimer (226-226”:229-229”)-bisdisulfide. The properties, uses, and preparation of pembrolizumab are described in International Patent Publication No. WO 2008/156712 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 8,354,509 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2010/0266617 A1, US 2013/0108651 A1, and US 2013/0109843 A2, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The clinical safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab in various forms of cancer is described in Fuerst, Oncology Times, 2014, 36, 35-36; Robert, et al., Lancet, 2014, 384, 1109-17; and Thomas, et al., Exp. Opin. Biol. Ther., 2014, 14, 1061-1064. The amino acid sequences of pembrolizumab are set forth in Table 19. Pembrolizumab includes the following disulfide bridges: 22-96, 22”-96”, 23′-92′, 23′″-92′″, 134-218′, 134”-218′″, 138′-198′, 138′-198′″, 147-203, 147”-203”, 226-226”, 229-229”, 261-321, 261”-321”, 367-425, and 367”-425”, and the following glycosylation sites (N): Asn-297 and Asn-297”. Pembrolizumab is an IgG4/kappa isotype with a stabilizing S228P mutation in the Fc region; insertion of this mutation in the IgG4 hinge region prevents the formation of half molecules typically observed for IgG4 antibodies. Pembrolizumab is heterogeneously glycosylated at Asn297 within the Fc domain of each heavy chain, yielding a molecular weight of approximately 149 kDa for the intact antibody. The dominant glycoform of pembrolizumab is the fucosylated agalacto diantennary glycan form (GOF).

In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises a heavy chain given by SEQ ID NO:168 and a light chain given by SEQ ID NO: 169. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains having the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:168 and SEQ ID NO:169, respectively, or antigen binding fragments, Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), variants, or conjugates thereof. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:168 and SEQ ID NO: 169, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:168 and SEQ ID NO:169, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 168 and SEQ ID NO:169, respectively.

In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:168 and SEQ ID NO:169, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:168 and SEQ ID NO:169, respectively.

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of pembrolizumab. In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:170, and the PD-1 inhibitor light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:171, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:170 and SEQ ID NO:171, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:170 and SEQ ID NO:171, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:170 and SEQ ID NO:171, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:170 and SEQ ID NO:171, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:170 and SEQ ID NO:171, respectively.

In some embodiments, a PD-1 inhibitor comprises the heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:172, SEQ ID NO:173, and SEQ ID NO:174, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:175, SEQ ID NO:176, and SEQ ID NO:177, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody competes for binding with, and/or binds to the same epitope on PD-1 as any of the aforementioned antibodies.

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to pembrolizumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar comprises an anti-PD-1 antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is pembrolizumab. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is an anti-PD-1 antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is pembrolizumab. The anti-PD-1 antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is pembrolizumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is pembrolizumab.

TABLE 19 Amino acid sequences for PD-1 inhibitors related to pembrolizumab. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 168 QVQLVQSGVE VKKPGASVKV SCKASGYTFT NYYMYWVRQA PGQGLEWMGG INPSNGGTNF 60 pembrolizumab NEKFKNRVTL TTDSSTTTAY MELKSLQFDD TAVYYCARRD YRFDMGFDYW GQGTTVTVSS 120 heavy chain ASTKGPSVFP LAPCSRSTSE STAALGCLVK DYFPEPVTVS WNSGALTSGV HTFPAVLQSS 180 GLYSLSSVVT VPSSSLGTKT YTCNVDHKPS NTKVDKRVES KYGPPCPPCP APEFLGGPSV 240 FLFPPKPKDT LMISRTPEVT CVVVDVSQED PEVQFNWYVD GVEVHNAKTK PREEQFNSTY 300 RVVSVLTVLH QDWLNGKEYK CKVSNKGLPS SIEKTISKAK GQPREPQVYT LPPSQEEMTK 360 NQVSLTCLVK GFYPSDIAVE WESNGQPENN YKTTPPVLDS DGSFFLYSRL TVDKSRWQEG 420 NVFSCSVMHE ALHNHYTQKS LSLSLGK 447 SEQ ID NO: 169 EIVLTQSPAT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASKGVS TSGYSYLHWY QQKPGQAPRL LIYLASYLES 60 pembrolizumab GVPARFSGSG SGTDFTLTIS SLEPEDFAVY YCQHSRDLPL TFGGGTKVEI KRTVAAPSVF 120 light chain IFPPSDEQLK SGTASVVCLL NNFYPREAKV QWKVDNALQS GNSQESVTEQ DSKDSTYSLS 180 STLTLSKADY EKHKVYACEV THQGLSSPVT KSFNRGEC 218 SEQ ID NO: 170 QVQLVQSGVE VKKPGASVKV SCKASGYTFT NYYMYWVRQA PGQGLEWMGG INPSNGGTNF 60 pembrolizumab NEKFKNRVTL TTDSSTTTAY MELKSLQFDD TAVYYCARRD YRFDMGFDYW GQGTTVTVSS 120 variable heavy chain SEQ ID NO: 171 EIVLTQSPAT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASKGVS TSGYSYLHWY QQKPGQAPRL LIYLASYLES 60 pembrolizumab GVPARFSGSG SGTDFTLTIS SLEPEDFAVY YCQHSRDLPL TFGGGTKVEI K 111 variable light chain SEQ ID NO: 172 NYYMY 5 pembrolizumab heavy chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 173 GINPSNGGTN FNEKFK 16 pembrolizumab heavy chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 174 RDYRFDMGED Y 11 pembrolizumab heavy chain CDR3 SEQ ID NO: 175 RASKGVSTSG YSYLH 15 pembrolizumab light chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 176 LASYLES 7 pembrolizumab light chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 177 QHSRDLPLT 9 pembrolizumab light chain CDR3

In some embodiments, the PD-i inhibitor is pembrolizumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the pembrolizumab is administered at a dose of about 0.5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg. In some embodiments, the PD-i inhibitor is pembrolizumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the pembrolizumab is administered at a dose of about 0.5 mg/kg, about 1 mg/kg, about 1.5 mg/kg, about 2 mg/kg, about 2.5 mg/kg, about 3 mg/kg, about 3.5 mg/kg, about 4 mg/kg, about 4.5 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg, about 5.5 mg/kg, about 6 mg/kg, about 6.5 mg/kg, about 7 mg/kg, about 7.5 mg/kg, about 8 mg/kg, about 8.5 mg/kg, about 9 mg/kg, about 9.5 mg/kg, or about 10 mg/kg. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration 15 begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining atumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the PD-i inhibitor is pembrolizumab or a biosimilar thereof, wherein the pembrolizumab is administered at a dose of about 200 mg to about 500 mg. In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is pembrolizumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the nivolumab is administered at a dose of about 200 mg, about 220 mg, about 240 mg, about 260 mg, about 280 mg, about 300 mg, about 320 mg, about 340 mg, about 360 mg, about 380 mg, about 400 mg, about 420 mg, about 440 mg, about 460 mg, about 480 mg, or about 500 mg. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is pembrolizumab or a biosimilar thereof, wherein the pembrolizumab is administered every 2 weeks, every 3 weeks, every 4 weeks, every 5 weeks, or every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat melanoma. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat melanoma at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat melanoma at about 400 mg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat NSCLC. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat NSCLC at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat NSCLC at about 400 mg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat small cell lung cancer (SCLC). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat SCLC at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat SCLC at about 400 mg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat HNSCC at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat HNSCC at about 400 mg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) or primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) or primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) at about 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) or primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) at about 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat urothelial carcinoma at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat urothelial carcinoma at about 400 mg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) cancer at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat MSI-H or dMMR cancer at about 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat MSI-H or dMMR cancer at about 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient colorectal cancer (dMMR CRC at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat MSI-H or dMMR CRC at about 400 mg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat gastric cancer at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat gastric cancer at about 400 mg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat Esophageal Cancer at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat Esophageal Cancer at about 400 mg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat cervical cancer at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat cervical cancer at about 400 mg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat HCC at about 400 mg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) at about 200 mg every 3 weeks for adults. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat MCC at about 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat MCC at about 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat RCC at about 400 mg every 6 weeks with axitinib 5 mg orally twice daily. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat endometrial carcinoma at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat endometrial carcinoma at about 400 mg every 6 weeks with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily for tumors that are not MSI-H or dMMR. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) Cancer at about 200 mg every 3 weeks for adults. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat TMB-H Cancer at about 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat TMB-H Cancer at about 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat cSCC at about 400 mg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) at about 200 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab is administered to treat TNBC at about 400 mg every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, if the patient or subject is an adult, i.e., treatment of adult indications, and additional dosing regimen of 400 mg every 6 weeks can be employed. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 days post IL-2 administration. In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the pembrolizumab can also be administered 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., before obtaining a tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is a commercially-available anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, such as anti-m-PD-1 clones J43 (Cat #BE0033-2) and RMP1-14 (Cat #BE0146) (Bio X Cell, Inc., West Lebanon, NH, USA). A number of commercially-available anti-PD-1 antibodies are known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is an antibody disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,354,509 or U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010/0266617 A1, 2013/0108651 A1, 2013/0109843 A2, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 antibody described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,287,856, 8,580,247, and 8,168,757 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009/0028857 A1, 2010/0285013 A1, 2013/0022600 A1, and 2011/0008369 A1, the teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference. In other embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 antibody disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,735,553 B1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is pidilizumab, also known as CT-011, which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,686,119, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor may be a small molecule or a peptide, or a peptide derivative, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,907,053; 9,096,642; and 9,044,442 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2015/0087581; 1,2,4-oxadiazole compounds and derivatives such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0073024; cyclic peptidomimetic compounds and derivatives such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2015/0073042; cyclic compounds and derivatives such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2015/0125491; 1,3,4-oxadiazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole compounds and derivatives such as those described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2015/033301; peptide-based compounds and derivatives such as those described in International Patent Application Publication Nos. WO 2015/036927 and WO 2015/04490, or a macrocyclic peptide-based compounds and derivatives such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2014/0294898; the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In some embodiments, the PD-1 inhibitor is cemiplimab, which is commercially available from Regeneron, Inc.

In some embodiments, TILs and a PD-L1 inhibitor or a PD-L2 inhibitor are administered as a combination therapy or co-therapy for the treatment of NSCLC.

In some embodiments, the NSCLC has undergone no prior therapy. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor or a PD-L2 inhibitor is administered as a front-line therapy or initial therapy. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor or a PD-L2 inhibitor is administered as a front-line therapy or initial therapy in combination with the TILs as described herein.

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 or PD-L2 inhibitor may be any PD-L1 or PD-L2 inhibitor, antagonist, or blocker known in the art. In particular, it is one of the PD-L1 or PD-L2 inhibitors, antagonist, or blockers described in more detail in the following paragraphs. The terms “inhibitor,” “antagonist,” and “blocker” are used interchangeably herein in reference to PD-L1 and PD-L2 inhibitors. For avoidance of doubt, references herein to a PD-L1 or PD-L2 inhibitor that is an antibody may refer to a compound or antigen-binding fragments, variants, conjugates, or biosimilars thereof. For avoidance of doubt, references herein to a PD-L1 or PD-L2 inhibitor may refer to a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, solvate, hydrate, cocrystal, or prodrug thereof.

In some embodiments, the compositions, processes and methods described herein include a PD-L1 or PD-L2 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 or PD-L2 inhibitor is a small molecule. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 or PD-L2 inhibitor is an antibody (i.e., an anti-PD-1 antibody), a fragment thereof, including Fab fragments, or a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) thereof. In some embodiments the PD-L1 or PD-L2 inhibitor is a polyclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 or PD-L2 inhibitor is a monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 or PD-L2 inhibitor competes for binding with PD-L1 or PD-L2, and/or binds to an epitope on PD-L1 or PD-L2. In some embodiments, the antibody competes for binding with PD-L1 or PD-L2, and/or binds to an epitope on PD-L1 or PD-L2.

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitors provided herein are selective for PD-L1, in that the compounds bind or interact with PD-L1 at substantially lower concentrations than they bind or interact with other receptors, including the PD-L2 receptor. In certain embodiments, the compounds bind to the PD-L1 receptor at a binding constant that is at least about a 2-fold higher concentration, about a 3-fold higher concentration, about a 5-fold higher concentration, about a 10-fold higher concentration, about a 20-fold higher concentration, about a 30-fold higher concentration, about a 50-fold higher concentration, about a 100-fold higher concentration, about a 200-fold higher concentration, about a 300-fold higher concentration, or about a 500-fold higher concentration than to the PD-L2 receptor.

In some embodiments, the PD-L2 inhibitors provided herein are selective for PD-L2, in that the compounds bind or interact with PD-L2 at substantially lower concentrations than they bind or interact with other receptors, including the PD-L1 receptor.

In certain embodiments, the compounds bind to the PD-L2 receptor at a binding constant that is at least about a 2-fold higher concentration, about a 3-fold higher concentration, about a 5-fold higher concentration, about a 10-fold higher concentration, about a 20-fold higher concentration, about a 30-fold higher concentration, about a 50-fold higher concentration, about a 100-fold higher concentration, about a 200-fold higher concentration, about a 300-fold higher concentration, or about a 500-fold higher concentration than to the PD-L1 receptor.

Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that tumor cells express PD-L1, and that T cells express PD-1. However, PD-L1 expression by tumor cells is not required for efficacy of PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors or blockers. In some embodiments, the tumor cells express PD-L1. In other embodiments, the tumor cells do not express PD-L1. In some embodiments, the methods can include a combination of a PD-1 and a PD-L1 antibody, such as those described herein, in combination with a TIL. The administration of a combination of a PD-1 and a PD-L1 antibody and a TIL may be simultaneous or sequential.

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 inhibitor is one that binds human PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a KD of about 100 pM or lower, binds human PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a KD of about 90 pM or lower, binds human PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a KD of about 80 pM or lower, binds human PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a KD of about 70 μM or lower, binds human PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a KD of about 60 pM or lower, a KD of about 50 pM or lower, binds human PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a KD of about 40 pM or lower, or binds human PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a KD of about 30 pM or lower,

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 inhibitor is one that binds to human PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a k_(assoc) of about 7.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a k_(assoc) of about 8×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a k_(assoc) of about 8.5×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a k_(assoc) of about 9×10⁵ 1/M·s or faster, binds to human PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a k_(assoc) of about 9.5×10⁵ 1/M·s and/or faster, or binds to human PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 with a k_(assoc) of about 1×10⁶ 1/M·s or faster.

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 inhibitor is one that binds to human PD-L1 or PD-L2 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.1×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.2×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.3×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.4×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.5×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-1 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.6×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, binds to human PD-L1 or PD-L2 with a k_(dissoc) of about 2.7×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower, or binds to human PD-L1 or PD-L2 with a k_(dissoc) of about 3×10⁻⁵ l/s or slower.

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 and/or PD-L2 inhibitor is one that blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 10 nM or lower; blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 9 nM or lower; blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 8 nM or lower; blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 7 nM or lower; blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 6 nM or lower; blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 5 nM or lower; blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 4 nM or lower; blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 3 nM or lower; blocks or inhibits binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 2 nM or lower; or blocks human PD-1, or blocks binding of human PD-L1 or human PD-L2 to human PD-1 with an IC50 of about 1 nM or lower.

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor is durvalumab, also known as MED14736 (which is commercially available from Medimmune, LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, a subsidiary of AstraZeneca plc.), or antigen-binding fragments, conjugates, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor is an antibody disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,779,108 or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0034559, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. The clinical efficacy of durvalumab has been described in Page, et al., Ann. Rev. Med., 2014, 65, 185-202; Brahmer, et al., J. Clin. Oncol. 2014, 32, 5s (supplement, abstract 8021); and McDermott, et al., Cancer Treatment Rev., 2014, 40, 1056-64. The preparation and properties of durvalumab are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,779,108, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The amino acid sequences of durvalumab are set forth in Table 20. The durvalumab monoclonal antibody includes disulfide linkages at 22-96, 22”-96”, 23′-89′, 23′″-89′″, 135′-195′, 135′-195′″, 148-204, 148”-204”, 215′-224, 215′″-224”, 230-230”, 233-233”, 265-325, 265”-325”, 371-429, and 371”-429′; and N-glycosylation sites at Asn-301 and Asn-301”.

In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises a heavy chain given by SEQ ID NO:178 and a light chain given by SEQ ID NO: 179. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains having the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:178 and SEQ ID NO:179, respectively, or antigen binding fragments, Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), variants, or conjugates thereof. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:178 and SEQ ID NO: 179, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:178 and SEQ ID NO:179, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 178 and SEQ ID NO:179, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:178 and SEQ ID NO:179, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:178 and SEQ ID NO:179, respectively.

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of durvalumab. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:180, and the PD-L1 inhibitor light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:181, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:180 and SEQ ID NO:181, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:180 and SEQ ID NO:181, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:180 and SEQ ID NO:181, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:180 and SEQ ID NO:181, respectively.

In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:180 and SEQ ID NO:181, respectively.

In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:182, SEQ ID NO:183, and SEQ ID NO:184, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:185, SEQ ID NO:186, and SEQ ID NO:187, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody competes for binding with, and/or binds to the same epitope on PD-L1 as any of the aforementioned antibodies.

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor is an anti-PD-L1 biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to durvalumab.

In some embodiments, the biosimilar comprises an anti-PD-L1 antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is durvalumab. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is an anti-PD-L1 antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the anti-PD-L1 antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is durvalumab. The anti-PD-L1 antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is durvalumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further Attorney Docket No. 116983-5-110-US comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is durvalumab.

TABLE 20 Amino acid sequences for PD-L1 inhibitors related to durvalumab. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 178 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS RYWMSWVRQA PGKGLEWVAN IKQDGSEKYY 60 durvalumab VDSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCAREG GWFGELAFDY WGQGTLVTVS 120 heavy chain SASTKGPSVF PLAPSSKSTS GGTAALGCLV KDYFPEPVTV SWNSGALTSG VHTFPAVLQS 180 SGLYSLSSVV TVPSSSLGTQ TYICNVNHKP SNTKVDKRVE PKSCDKTHTC PPCPAPEFEG 240 GPSVFLFPPK PKDTLMISRT PEVTCVVVDV SHEDPEVKEN WYVDGVEVHN AKTKPREEQY 300 NSTYRVVSVL TVLHQDWING KEYKCKVSNK ALPASIEKTI SKAKGQPREP QVYTLPPSRE 360 EMTKNQVSLT CLVKGFYPSD IAVEWESNGQ PENNYKTTPP VLDSDGSFFL YSKLTVDKSR 420 WQQGNVFSCS VMHEALHNHY TQKSLSLSPG K 451 SEQ ID NO: 179 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS RYWMSWVRQA PGKGLEWVAN EIVLTQSPGT 60 durvalumab LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQRVS SSYLAWYQQK PGQAPRLLIY DASSRATGIP DRFSGSGSGT 120 light chain DFTLTISRLE PEDFAVYYCQ QYGSLPWTFG QGTKVEIKRT VAAPSVFIFP PSDEQLKSGT 180 ASVVCLINNF YPREAKVQWK VDNALQSGNS QESVTEQDSK DSTYSLSSTL TLSKADYEKH 240 KVYACEVTHQ GLSSPVTKSF NRGEC 265 SEQ ID NO: 180 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS RYWMSWVRQA PGKGLEWVAN IKQDGSEKYY 60 durvalumab VDSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCAREG GWFGELAFDY WGQGTLVTVS 120 variable S 121 heavy chain SEQ ID NO: 181 EIVLTQSPGT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQRVS SSYLAWYQQK PGQAPRLLIY DASSRATGIP 60 durvalumab DRFSGSGSGT DFTLTISRLE PEDFAVYYCQ QYGSLPWTFG QGTKVEIK 108 variable light chain SEQ ID NO: 182 RYWMS 5 durvalumab heavy chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 183 NIKQDGSEKY YVDSVKG 17 durvalumab heavy chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 184 EGGWFGELAF DY 12 durvalumab heavy chain CDR3 SEQ ID NO: 185 RASQRVSSSY LA 12 durvalumab light chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 186 DASSRAT 7 durvalumab light chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 187 QQYGSLPWT 9 durvalumab light chain CDR3

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor is avelumab, also known as MSBOOTO7T8C (commercially available from Merck KIGaA/EMD Serono), or antigen-binding fragments, conjugates, or variants thereof. The preparation and properties of avelumab are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2014/0341917 A1, the disclosure of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein. The amino acid sequences of avelumab are set forth in Table 21. Avelumab has intra-heavy chain disulfide linkages (C23-C104) at 22-96, 147-203, 264-324, 370-428, 22”-96”, 147”-203”, 264”-324”, and 370”-428”; intra-light chain disulfide linkages (C23-C104) at 22′-90′, 138′-197′, 22”-90′”, and 138′-197′″; intra-heavy-light chain disulfide linkages (h 5-CL 126) at 223-215′ and 223”-215′″; intra-heavy-heavy chain disulfide linkages (h 11, h 14) at 229-229” and 232-232”; N-glycosylation sites (H CH2 N84.4) at 300, 300”; fucosylated complex bi-antennary CHO-type glycans; and H CHS K2 C-terminal lysine clipping at 450 and 450′.

In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises a heavy chain given by SEQ ID NO:188 and a light chain given by SEQ ID NO: 189. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains having the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:188 and SEQ ID NO:189, respectively, or antigen binding fragments, Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), variants, or conjugates thereof. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:188 and SEQ ID NO: 189, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:188 and SEQ ID NO:189, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 188 and SEQ ID NO:189, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:188 and SEQ ID NO:189, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:188 and SEQ ID NO:189, respectively.

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of avelumab. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:190, and the PD-L1 inhibitor light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:191, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:190 and SEQ ID NO:191, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 190 and SEQ ID NO:191, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 190 and SEQ ID NO:191, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:190 and SEQ ID NO:191, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 190 and SEQ ID NO:191, respectively.

In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:192, SEQ ID NO:193, and SEQ ID NO:194, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:195, SEQ ID NO:196, and SEQ ID NO:197, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody competes for binding with, and/or binds to the same epitope on PD-L1 as any of the aforementioned antibodies.

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor is an anti-PD-L1 biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to avelumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar comprises an anti-PD-L1 antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is avelumab. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is an anti-PD-L1 antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the anti-PD-L1 antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is avelumab. The anti-PD-L1 antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is avelumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is avelumab.

TABLE 21 Amino acid sequences for PD-L1 inhibitors related to avelumab. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 188 EVQLLESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS SYIMMWVRQA PGKGLEWVSS IYPSGGITFY 60 avelumab ADTVKGRFTI SRDNSKNTLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCARIK LGTVTTVDYW GQGTLVTVSS 120 heavy chain ASTKGPSVFP LAPSSKSTSG GTAALGCLVK DYFPEPVTVS WNSGALTSGV HTFPAVLQSS 180 GLYSLSSVVT VPSSSLGTQT YICNVNHKPS NTKVDKKVEP KSCDKTHTCP PCPAPELLGG 240 PSVFLFPPKP KDTLMISRTP EVTCVVVDVS HEDPEVKENW YVDGVEVHNA KTKPREEQYN 300 STYRVVSVLT VLHQDWINGK EYKCKVSNKA LPAPIEKTIS KAKGQPREPQ VYTLPPSRDE 360 LTKNQVSLTC LVKGFYPSDI AVEWESNGQP ENNYKTTPPV LDSDGSFFLY SKLTVDKSRW 420 QQGNVFSCSV MHEALHNHYT QKSLSLSPGK 450 SEQ ID NO: 189 QSALTQPASV SGSPGQSITI SCTGTSSDVG GYNYVSWYQQ HPGKAPKLMI YDVSNRPSGV 60 avelumab SNRFSGSKSG NTASLTISGL QAEDEADYYC SSYTSSSTRV FGTGTKVTVL GQPKANPTVT 120 light chain LFPPSSEELQ ANKATLVCLI SDFYPGAVTV AWKADGSPVK AGVETTKPSK QSNNKYAASS 180 YLSLTPEQWK SHRSYSCQVT HEGSTVEKTV APTECS 216 SEQ ID NO: 190 EVQLLESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS SYIMMWVRQA PGKGLEWVSS IYPSGGITFY 60 avelumab ADTVKGRFTI SRDNSKNTLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCARIK LGTVTTVDYW GQGTLVTVSS 120 variable heavy chain SEQ ID NO: 191 SNRFSGSKSG NTASLTISGL QAEDEADYYC SSYTSSSTRV FGTGTKVTVL YDVSNRPSGV 60 avelumab QSALTQPASV SGSPGQSITI SCTGTSSDVG GYNYVSWYQQ HPGKAPKLMI 110 variable light chain SEQ ID NO: 192 SYIMM 5 avelumab heavy chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 193 SIYPSGGITF YADTVKG 17 avelumab heavy chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 194 IKLGTVTTVD Y 11 avelumab heavy chain CDR3 SEQ ID NO: 195 TGTSSDVGGY NYVS 14 avelumab light chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 196 DVSNRPS 7 avelumab light chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 197 SSYTSSSTRV 10 avelumab light chain CDR3

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor is atezolizumab, also known as MPDL3280A or RG7446 (commercially available as TECENTRIQ from Genentech, Inc., a subsidiary of Roche Holding A G, Basel, Switzerland), or antigen-binding fragments, conjugates, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor is an antibody disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,217,149, the disclosure of which is specifically incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor is an antibody disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010/0203056 A1, 2013/0045200 A1, 2013/0045201 A1, 2013/0045202 A1, or 2014/0065135 A1, the disclosures of which are specifically incorporated by reference herein. The preparation and properties of atezolizumab are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,217,149, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. The amino acid sequences of atezolizumab are set forth in Table 22. Atezolizumab has intra-heavy chain disulfide linkages (C23-C104) at 22-96, 145-201, 262-322, 368-426, 22”-96”, 145”-201”, 262”-322”, and 368”-426”; intra-light chain disulfide linkages (C23-C104) at 23′-88′, 134′-194′, 23′″-88′″, and 134′-194′″; intra-heavy-light chain disulfide linkages (h 5-CL 126) at 221-214′ and 221”-214′″; intra-heavy-heavy chain disulfide linkages (h 11, h 14) at 227-227” and 230-230”; and N-glycosylation sites (H CH2 N84.4>A) at 298 and 298′.

In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises a heavy chain given by SEQ ID NO:198 and a light chain given by SEQ ID NO: 199. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains having the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:198 and SEQ ID NO:199, respectively, or antigen binding fragments, Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), variants, or conjugates thereof. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:198 and SEQ ID NO: 199, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:198 and SEQ ID NO:199, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 198 and SEQ ID NO:199, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:198 and SEQ ID NO:199, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:198 and SEQ ID NO:199, respectively.

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of atezolizumab. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:200, and the PD-L1 inhibitor light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:201, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:200 and SEQ ID NO:201, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:200 and SEQ ID NO:201, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:200 and SEQ ID NO:201, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:200 and SEQ ID NO:201, respectively. In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:200 and SEQ ID NO:201, respectively.

In some embodiments, a PD-L1 inhibitor comprises heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:202, SEQ ID NO:203, and SEQ ID NO:204, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:205, SEQ ID NO:206, and SEQ ID NO:207, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody competes for binding with, and/or binds to the same epitope on PD-L1 as any of the aforementioned antibodies.

In some embodiments, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is an anti-PD-L1 biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to atezolizumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar comprises an anti-PD-L1 antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is atezolizumab. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is an anti-PD-L1 antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the anti-PD-L1 antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is atezolizumab. The anti-PD-L1 antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is atezolizumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is atezolizumab.

TABLE 22 Amino acid sequences for PD-L1 inhibitors related to atezolizumab. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 198 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS DSWIHWVRQA PGKGLEWVAW ISPYGGSTYY 60 atezolizumab ADSVKGRFTI SADTSKNTAY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCARRH WPGGFDYWGQ GTLVTVSSAS 120 heavy chain TKGPSVFPLA PSSKSTSGGT AALGCLVKDY FPEPVTVSWN SGALTSGVHT FPAVLQSSGL 180 YSLSSVVTVP SSSLGTQTYI CNVNHKPSNT KVDKKVEPKS CDKTHTCPPC PAPELLGGPS 240 VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVKFNWYV DGVEVHNAKT KPREEQYAST 300 YRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEY KCKVSNKALP APIEKTISKA KGQPREPQVY TLPPSREEMT 360 KNQVSLTCLV KGFYPSDIAV EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLD SDGSFFLYSK LTVDKSRWQQ 420 GNVFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPGK 448 SEQ ID NO: 199 DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCRASQDVS TAVAWYQQKP GKAPKLLIYS ASFLYSGVPS 60 atezolizumab RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLQP EDFATYYCQQ YLYHPATFGQ GTKVEIKRTV AAPSVFIFPP 120 light chain SDEQLKSGTA SVVCLLNNFY PREAKVQWKV DNALQSGNSQ ESVTEQDSKD STYSLSSTLT 180 LSKADYEKHK VYACEVTHQG LSSPVTKSEN RGEC 214 SEQ ID NO: 200 EVQLVESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS DSWIHWVRQA PGKGLEWVAW ISPYGGSTYY 60 atezolizumab ADSVKGRFTI SADTSKNTAY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCARRH WPGGFDYWGQ GTLVTVSA 118 variable heavy chain SEQ ID NO: 201 DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCRASQDVS TAVAWYQQKP GKAPKLLIYS ASFLYSGVPS 60 atezolizumab RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLQP EDFATYYCQQ YLYHPATFGQ GTKVEIKR 108 variable light chain SEQ ID NO: 202 GFTFSDSWIH 10 atezolizumab heavy chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 203 AWISPYGGST YYADSVKG 18 atezolizumab heavy chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 204 RHWPGGFDY 9 atezolizumab heavy chain CDR3 SEQ ID NO: 205 RASQDVSTAV A 11 atezolizumab light chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 206 SASFLYS 7 atezolizumab light chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 207 QQYLYHPAT 9 atezolizumab light chain CDR3

In some embodiments, PD-L1 inhibitors include those antibodies described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2014/0341917 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. In other embodiments, antibodies that compete with any of these antibodies for binding to PD-L1 are also included. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is MDX-1105, also known as BMS-935559, which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,943,743, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is selected from the anti-PD-L1 antibodies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,943,743, which are incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, the PD-L1 inhibitor is a commercially-available monoclonal antibody, such as INVIVOMAB anti-m-PD-L1 clone IOF.9G2 (Catalog #BE0101, Bio X Cell, Inc., West Lebanon, NH, USA). In some embodiments, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is a commercially-available monoclonal antibody, such as AFFYMETRIX EBIOSCIENCE (MIH1). A number of commercially-available anti-PD-L1 antibodies are known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the PD-L2 inhibitor is a commercially-available monoclonal antibody, such as BIOLEGEND 24F.IOC12 Mouse IgG2a, x isotype (catalog #329602 Biolegend, Inc., San Diego, CA), SIGMA anti-PD-L2 antibody (catalog #SAB3500395, Sigma-Aldrich Co., St. Louis, MO), or other commercially-available anti-PD-L2 antibodies known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

C. Combinations with CTLA-4 Inhibitors and/or CD40 Agonists

In some embodiments, the TIL therapy provided to patients with cancer may include treatment with therapeutic populations of TILs alone or may include a combination treatment including TILs and one or more CTLA-4 inhibitors.

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and is expressed on the surface of helper T cells. CTLA-4 is a negative regulator of CD28-dependent T cell activation and acts as a checkpoint for adaptive immune responses. Similar to the T cell costimulatory protein CD28, the CTLA-4 binding antigen presents CD80 and CD86 on the cells. CTLA-4 delivers a suppressor signal to T cells, while CD28 delivers a stimulus signal. Human antibodies against human CTLA-4 have been described as immunostimulatory modulators in many disease conditions, such as treating or preventing viral and bacterial infections and for treating cancer (WO 01/14424 and WO 00/37504). A number of fully human anti-human CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been studied in clinical trials for the treatment of various types of solid tumors, including, but not limited to, ipilimumab (MDX-010) and tremelimumab (CP-675,206).

In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor may be any CTLA-4 inhibitor or CTLA-4 blocker known in the art. In particular, it is one of the CTLA-4 inhibitors or blockers described in more detail in the following paragraphs. The terms “inhibitor,” “antagonist,” and “blocker” are used interchangeably herein in reference to CTLA-4 inhibitors. For avoidance of doubt, references herein to a CTLA-4 inhibitor that is an antibody may refer to a compound or antigen-binding fragments, variants, conjugates, or biosimilars thereof. For avoidance of doubt, references herein to a CTLA-4 inhibitor may also refer to a small molecule compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, solvate, hydrate, cocrystal, or prodrug thereof.

Suitable CTLA-4 inhibitors for use in the methods of the invention, include, without limitation, anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, human anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, mouse anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, mammalian anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, humanized anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, monoclonal anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, polyclonal anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, chimeric anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, MDX-010 (ipilimumab), tremelimumab, anti-CD28 antibodies, anti-CTLA-4 adnectins, anti-CTLA-4 domain antibodies, single chain anti-CTLA-4 fragments, heavy chain anti-CTLA-4 fragments, light chain anti-CTLA-4 fragments, inhibitors of CTLA-4 that agonize the co-stimulatory pathway, the antibodies disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 2001/014424, the antibodies disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 2004/035607, the antibodies disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0201994, and the antibodies disclosed in granted European Patent No. EP 1212422 B1, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Additional CTLA-4 antibodies are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,811,097, 5,855,887, 6,051,227, and 6,984,720; in PCT Publication Nos. WO 01/14424 and WO 00/37504; and in U.S. Publication Nos. 2002/0039581 and 2002/086014, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other anti-CTLA-4 antibodies that can be used in a method of the present invention include, for example, those disclosed in: WO 98/42752; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,682,736 and 6,207,156; Hurwitz et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 95(17):10067-10071 (1998); Camacho et al., J. Clin. Oncology, 22(145): Abstract No. 2505 (2004) (antibody CP-675206); Mokyr et al., Cancer Res., 58:5301-5304 (1998), and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,977,318, 6,682,736, 7,109,003, and 7,132,281, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Additional CTLA-4 inhibitors include, but are not limited to, the following: any inhibitor that is capable of disrupting the ability of CD28 antigen to bind to its cognate ligand, to inhibit the ability of CTLA-4 to bind to its cognate ligand, to augment T cell responses via the co-stimulatory pathway, to disrupt the ability of B7 to bind to CD28 and/or CTLA-4, to disrupt the ability of B7 to activate the co-stimulatory pathway, to disrupt the ability of CD80 to bind to CD28 and/or CTLA-4, to disrupt the ability of CD80 to activate the co-stimulatory pathway, to disrupt the ability of CD86 to bind to CD28 and/or CTLA-4, to disrupt the ability of CD86 to activate the co-stimulatory pathway, and to disrupt the co-stimulatory pathway, in general from being activated. This necessarily includes small molecule inhibitors of CD28, CD80, CD86, CTLA-4, among other members of the co-stimulatory pathway; antibodies directed to CD28, CD80, CD86, CTLA-4, among other members of the co-stimulatory pathway; antisense molecules directed against CD28, CD80, CD86, CTLA-4, among other members of the co-stimulatory pathway; adnectins directed against CD28, CD80, CD86, CTLA-4, among other members of the co-stimulatory pathway, RNAi inhibitors (both single and double stranded) of CD28, CD80, CD86, CTLA-4, among other members of the co-stimulatory pathway, among other CTLA-4 inhibitors.

In some embodiments a CTLA-4 inhibitor binds to CTLA-4 with a Kd of about 10⁻⁶ M or less, 10⁻⁷M or less, 10⁻⁸ M or less, 10⁻⁹ M or less, 10⁻¹⁰ M or less, 10⁻¹¹ M or less, 10⁻¹² M or less, e.g., between 10⁻¹³ M and 10⁻¹⁶ μM, or within any range having any two of the afore-mentioned values as endpoints. In some embodiments a CTLA-4 inhibitor binds to CTLA-4 with a Kd of no more than 10-fold that of ipilimumab, when compared using the same assay. In some embodiments a CTLA-4 inhibitor binds to CTLA-4 with a Kd of about the same as, or less (e.g., up to 10-fold lower, or up to 100-fold lower) than that of ipilimumab, when compared using the same assay. In some embodiments, the IC50 values for inhibition by a CTLA-4 inhibitor of CTLA-4 binding to CD80 or CD86 is no more than 10-fold greater than that of ipilimumab-mediated inhibition of CTLA-4 binding to CD80 or CD86, respectively, when compared using the same assay. In some embodiments, the IC50 values for inhibition by a CTLA-4 inhibitor of CTLA-4 binding to CD80 or CD86 is about the same or less (e.g., up to 10-fold lower, or up to 100-fold lower) than that of ipilimumab-mediated inhibition of CTLA-4 binding to CD80 or CD86, respectively, when compared using the same assay.

In some embodiments a CTLA-4 inhibitor is used in an amount sufficient to inhibit expression and/or decrease biological activity of CTLA-4 by at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 100% relative to a suitable control, e.g., between 50% and 75%, 75% and 90%, or 90% and 100%. In some embodiments a CTLA-4 pathway inhibitor is used in an amount sufficient to decrease the biological activity of CTLA-4 by reducing binding of CTLA-4 to CD80, CD86, or both by at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 100% relative to a suitable control, e.g., between 50% and 75%, 75% and 90%, or 90% and 100% relative to a suitable control. A suitable control in the context of assessing or quantifying the effect of an agent of interest is typically a comparable biological system (e.g., cells or a subject) that has not been exposed to or treated with the agent of interest, e.g., CTLA-4 pathway inhibitor (or has been exposed to or treated with a negligible amount). In some embodiments a biological system may serve as its own control (e.g., the biological system may be assessed before exposure to or treatment with the agent and compared with the state after exposure or treatment has started or finished. In some embodiments a historical control may be used.

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is ipilimumab (commercially available as Yervoy from Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.), or biosimilars, antigen-binding fragments, conjugates, or variants thereof. As is known in the art, ipilimumab refers to an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, a fully human IgG 1κ antibody derived from a transgenic mouse with human genes encoding heavy and light chains to generate a functional human repertoire. Ipilimumab can also be referred to by its CAS Registry Number 477202-00-9, and in PCT Publication Number WO 01/14424, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. It is disclosed as antibody 10DI. Specifically, ipilimumab contains a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region (having a light chain variable region comprising SEQ ID NO:211 and having a heavy chain variable region comprising SEQ ID NO:210). A pharmaceutical composition of ipilimumab includes all pharmaceutically acceptable compositions containing ipilimumab and one or more diluents, vehicles, or excipients. An example of a pharmaceutical composition containing ipilimumab is described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2007/67959. Ipilimumab can be administered intravenously (IV).

In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises a heavy chain given by SEQ ID NO:208 and a light chain given by SEQ ID NO:209. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains having the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:208 and SEQ ID NO:209, respectively, or antigen binding fragments, Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), variants, or conjugates thereof. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:208 and SEQ ID NO:209, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:208 and SEQ ID NO:209, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:208 and SEQ ID NO:209, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:208 and SEQ ID NO:209, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:208 and SEQ ID NO:209, respectively.

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of ipilimumab. In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:210, and the CTLA-4 inhibitor light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:211, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:210 and SEQ ID NO:211, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:210 and SEQ ID NO:211, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:210 and SEQ ID NO:211, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:210 and SEQ ID NO:211, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:210 and SEQ ID NO:211, respectively.

In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises the heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:212, SEQ ID NO:213, and SEQ ID NO:214, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:215, SEQ ID NO:216, and SEQ ID NO:217, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody competes for binding with, and/or binds to the same epitope on CTLA-4 as any of the aforementioned antibodies.

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is a CTLA-4 biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to ipilimumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar comprises an anti-CTLA-4 antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is ipilimumab. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. The amino acid sequences of ipilimumab are set forth in Table 23. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the anti-CTLA-4 antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is ipilimumab. The anti-CTLA-4 antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is ipilimumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is ipilimumab.

TABLE 23 Amino acid sequences for ipilimumab. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 208 QVQLVESGGG VVQPGRSLRL SCAASGFTFS SYTMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVTF ISYDGNNKYY 60 ipilimumab ADSVKGRFTI SRDNSKNTLY LQMNSLRAED TAIYYCARTG WLGPFDYWGQ GTLVTVSSAS 120 heavy chain TKGPSVFPLA PSSKSTSGGT AALGCLVKDY FPEPVTVSWN SGALTSGVHT FPAVLQSSGL 180 YSLSSVVTVP SSSLGTQTYI CNVNHKPSNT KVDKRVEPKS CDKTH 225 SEQ ID NO: 209 EIVLTQSPGT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQSVG SSYLAWYOOK PGQAPRLLIY GAFSRATGIP 60 ipilimumab DRFSGSGSGT DFTLTISRLE PEDFAVYYCQ QYGSSPWTFG QGTKVEIKRT VAAPSVFIFP 120 light chain PSDEQLKSGT ASVVCLLNNF YPREAKVQWK VDNALQSGNS QESVTEQDSK DSTYSLSSTL 180 TLSKADYEKH KVYACEVTHQ GLSSPVTKSF NRGEC 215 SEQ ID NO: 210 QVQLVESGGG VVQPGRSLRL SCAASGFTFS SYTMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVTF ISYDGNNKYY 60 ipilimumab ADSVKGRFTI SRDNSKNTLY LQMNSLRAED TAIYYCARTG WLGPFDYWGQ GTLVTVSS 118 variable heavy chain SEQ ID NO: 211 EIVLTQSPGT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQSVG SSYLAWYQQK PGQAPRLLIY GAFSRATGIP 60 ipilimumab DRFSGSGSGT DFTLTISRLE PEDFAVYYCQ QYGSSPWTFG QGTKVEIK 108 variable light chain SEQ ID NO: 212 GFTFSSYT 8 ipilimumab heavy chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 213 TFISYDGNNK 10 ipilimumab heavy chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 214 ARTGWLGPFD Y 11 ipilimumab heavy chain CDR3 SEQ ID NO: 215 QSVGSSY 7 ipilimumab light chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 216 GAF 3 ipilimumab light chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 217 QQYGSSPWT 9 ipilimumab light chain CDR3

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is ipilimumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the ipilimumab is administered at a dose of about 0.5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg. In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is ipilimumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the ipilimumab is administered at a dose of about 0.5 mg/kg, about 1 mg/kg, about 1.5 mg/kg, about 2 mg/kg, about 2.5 mg/kg, about 3 mg/kg, about 3.5 mg/kg, about 4 mg/kg, about 4.5 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg, about 5.5 mg/kg, about 6 mg/kg, about 6.5 mg/kg, about 7 mg/kg, about 7.5 mg/kg, about 8 mg/kg, about 8.5 mg/kg, about 9 mg/kg, about 9.5 mg/kg, or about 10 mg/kg. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is ipilimumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the ipilimumab is administered at a dose of about 200 mg to about 500 mg. In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is ipilimumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the ipilimumab is administered at a dose of about 200 mg, about 220 mg, about 240 mg, about 260 mg, about 280 mg, about 300 mg, about 320 mg, about 340 mg, about 360 mg, about 380 mg, about 400 mg, about 420 mg, about 440 mg, about 460 mg, about 480 mg, or about 500 mg. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is ipilimumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the ipilimumab is administered every 2 weeks, every 3 weeks, every 4 weeks, every 5 weeks, or every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to treat unresectable or metastatic melanoma. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to treat Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma at about mg/kg every 3 weeks for a maximum of 4 doses. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered for the adjuvant treatment of melanoma. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to for the adjuvant treatment of melanoma at about 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks for 4 doses, followed by 10 mg/kg every 12 weeks for up to 3 years. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma at about 1 mg/kg immediately following nivolumab 3 mg/kg on the same day, every 3 weeks for 4 doses. In some embodiments, after completing 4 doses of the combination, nivolumab can be administered as a single agent according to standard dosing regimens for advanced renal cell carcinoma and/or renal cell carcinoma. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to treat microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to treat microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer at about 1 mg/kg intravenously over 30 minutes immediately following nivolumab 3 mg/kg intravenously over 30 minutes on the same day, every 3 weeks for 4 doses. In some embodiments, after completing 4 doses of the combination, administer nivolumab as a single agent as recommended according to standard dosing regimens for microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to treat hepatocellular carcinoma. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to treat hepatocellular carcinoma at about 3 mg/kg intravenously over 30 minutes immediately following nivolumab 1 mg/kg intravenously over 30 minutes on the same day, every 3 weeks for 4 doses. In some embodiments, after completion 4 doses of the combination, administer nivolumab as a single agent according to standard dosing regimens for hepatocellular carcinoma. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer at about 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer at about 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks with nivolumab 360 mg every 3 weeks and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab is administered to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma at about 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks with nivolumab 360 mg every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the ipilimumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient).

Tremelimumab (also known as CP-675,206) is a fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody and has the CAS number 745013-59-6. Tremelimumab is disclosed as antibody 11.2.1 in U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,736 (incorporated herein by reference). The amino acid sequences of the heavy chain and light chain of tremelimumab are set forth in SEQ ID NOs:218 and 219, respectively. Tremelimumab has been investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of various tumors, including melanoma and breast cancer; in which Tremelimumab was administered intravenously either as single dose or multiple doses every 4 or 12 weeks at the dose range of 0.01 and 15 mg/kg. In the regimens provided by the present invention, tremelimumab is administered locally, particularly intradermally or subcutaneously. The effective amount of tremelimumab administered intradermally or subcutaneously is typically in the range of 5-200 mg/dose per person. In some embodiments, the effective amount of tremelimumab is in the range of 10⁻¹⁵⁰ mg/dose per person per dose. In some particular embodiments, the effective amount of tremelimumab is about 10, 25, 37.5, 40, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, or 200 mg/dose per person.

In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises a heavy chain given by SEQ ID NO:218 and a light chain given by SEQ ID NO:219. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains having the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:218 and SEQ ID NO:219, respectively, or antigen binding fragments, Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), variants, or conjugates thereof. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:218 and SEQ ID NO:219, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:218 and SEQ ID NO:219, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:218 and SEQ ID NO:219, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:218 and SEQ ID NO:219, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:218 and SEQ ID NO:219, respectively.

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of tremelimumab. In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:220, and the CTLA-4 inhibitor light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:221, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:220 and SEQ ID NO:221, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:220 and SEQ ID NO:221, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:220 and SEQ ID NO:221, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:220 and SEQ ID NO:221, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:220 and SEQ ID NO:221, respectively.

In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises the heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:222, SEQ ID NO:223, and SEQ ID NO:224, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:225, SEQ ID NO:226, and SEQ ID NO:227, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody competes for binding with, and/or binds to the same epitope on CTLA-4 as any of the aforementioned antibodies.

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is an anti-CTLA-4 biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to tremelimumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar comprises an anti-CTLA-4 antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is tremelimumab. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. The amino acid sequences of tremelimumab are set forth in Table 24. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the anti-CTLA-4 antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is tremelimumab. The anti-CTLA-4 antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is tremelimumab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is tremelimumab.

TABLE 24 Amino acid sequences for tremelimumab. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 218 QVQLVESGGG VVQPGRSLRL SCAASGFTFS SYGMHWVRQA PGKGLEWVAV IWYDGSNKYY 60 tremelimumab ADSVKGRFTI SRDNSKNTLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCARDP RGATLYYYYY GMDVWGQGTT 120 heavy chain VTVSSASTKG PSVFPLAPCS RSTSESTAAL GCLVKDYFPE PVTVSWNSGA LTSGVHTFPA 180 VLQSSGLYSL SSVVTVPSSN FGTQTYTCNV DHKPSNTKVD KTVERKCCVE CPPCPAPPVA 240 GPSVFLFPPK PKDTLMISRT PEVTCVVVDV SHEDPEVQFN WYVDGVEVHN AKTKPREEQF 300 NSTFRVVSVL TVVHQDWING KEYKCKVSNK GLPAPIEKTI SKTKGQPREP QVYTLPPSRE 360 EMTKNQVSLT CLVKGFYPSD IAVEWESNGQ PENNYKTTPP MLDSDGSFFL YSKLTVDKSR 420 WQQGNVFSCS VMHEALHNHY TQKSLSLSPG K 451 SEQ ID NO: 219 DIQMTQSPSS LSASVGDRVT ITCRASQSIN SYLDWYQQKP GKAPKLLIYA ASSLQSGVPS 60 tremelimumab RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLQP EDFATYYCQQ YYSTPFTFGP GTKVEIKRTV AAPSVFIFPP 120 light chain SDEQLKSGTA SVVCLLNNFY PREAKVQWKV DNALQSGNSQ ESVTEQDSKD STYSLSSTLT 180 LSKADYEKHK VYACEVTHQG LSSPVTKSEN RGEC 214 SEQ ID NO: 220 GVVQPGRSLR LSCAASGFTF SSYGMHWVRQ APGKGLEWVA VIWYDGSNKY YADSVKGRFT 60 tremelimumab ISRDNSKNTL YLQMNSLRAE DTAVYYCARD PRGATLYYYY YGMDVWGQGT TVTVSSASTK 120 variable heavy GPSVFPLAPC SRSTSESTAA LGCLVKDYFP EPVTVSWNSG ALTSGVH 167 chain SEQ ID NO: 221 PSSLSASVGD RVTITCRASQ SINSYLDWYQ QKPGKAPKLL IYAASSLQSG VPSRFSGSGS 60 tremelimumab GTDFTLTISS LQPEDFATYY CQQYYSTPFT FGPGTKVEIK RTVAAPSVFI FPPSDEQLKS 120 variable light GTASVVCLLN NFYPREAKV 139 chain SEQ ID NO: 222 GFTFSSYGMH 10 tremelimumab heavy chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 223 VIWYDGSNKY YADSV 15 tremelimumab heavy chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 224 DPRGATLYYY YYGMDV 16 tremelimumab heavy chain CDR3 SEQ ID NO: 225 RASQSINSYL D 11 tremelimumab light chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 226 AASSLQS 7 tremelimumab light chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 227 QQYYSTPFT 9 tremelimumab light chain CDR3

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is tremelimumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the tremelimumab is administered at a dose of about 0.5 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg. In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is tremelimumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the tremelimumab is administered at a dose of about 0.5 mg/kg, about 1 mg/kg, about 1.5 mg/kg, about 2 mg/kg, about 2.5 mg/kg, about 3 mg/kg, about 3.5 mg/kg, about 4 mg/kg, about 4.5 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg, about 5.5 mg/kg, about 6 mg/kg, about 6.5 mg/kg, about 7 mg/kg, about 7.5 mg/kg, about 8 mg/kg, about 8.5 mg/kg, about 9 mg/kg, about 9.5 mg/kg, or about 10 mg/kg. In some embodiments, the tremelimumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the tremelimumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is tremelimumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the tremelimumab is administered at a dose of about 200 mg to about 500 mg. In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is tremelimumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the tremelimumab is administered at a dose of about 200 mg, about 220 mg, about 240 mg, about 260 mg, about 280 mg, about 300 mg, about 320 mg, about 340 mg, about 360 mg, about 380 mg, about 400 mg, about 420 mg, about 440 mg, about 460 mg, about 480 mg, or about 500 mg. In some embodiments, the tremelimumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the tremelimumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is tremelimumab or a biosimilar thereof, and the tremelimumab is administered every 2 weeks, every 3 weeks, every 4 weeks, every 5 weeks, or every 6 weeks. In some embodiments, the tremelimumab administration is begun 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient). In some embodiments, the tremelimumab administration is begun 1, 2, or 3 weeks pre-resection (i.e., prior to obtaining the tumor sample from the subject or patient).

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is zalifrelimab from Agenus, or biosimilars, antigen-binding fragments, conjugates, or variants thereof. Zalifrelimab is a fully human monoclonal antibody. Zalifrelimab is assigned Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number 2148321-69-9 and is also known as also known as AGEN1884. The preparation and properties of zalifrelimab are described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,144,779 and US Patent Application Publication No. US2020/0024350 A1, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises a heavy chain given by SEQ ID NO:228 and a light chain given by SEQ ID NO:229. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains having the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:228 and SEQ ID NO:229, respectively, or antigen binding fragments, Fab fragments, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), variants, or conjugates thereof. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:228 and SEQ ID NO:229, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:228 and SEQ ID NO:229, respectively.

In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:228 and SEQ ID NO:229, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:228 and SEQ ID NO:229, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises heavy and light chains that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:228 and SEQ ID NO:229, respectively.

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises the heavy and light chain CDRs or variable regions (VRs) of zalifrelimab. In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:230, and the CTLA-4 inhibitor light chain variable region (V_(L)) comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:231, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 99% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:230 and SEQ ID NO:231, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 98% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:230 and SEQ ID NO:231, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 97% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:230 and SEQ ID NO:231, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 96% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:230 and SEQ ID NO:231, respectively. In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises V_(H) and V_(L) regions that are each at least 95% identical to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO:230 and SEQ ID NO:231, respectively.

In some embodiments, a CTLA-4 inhibitor comprises the heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:231, SEQ ID NO:233, and SEQ ID NO:234, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof, and light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 domains having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:235, SEQ ID NO:236, and SEQ ID NO:237, respectively, or conservative amino acid substitutions thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody competes for binding with, and/or binds to the same epitope on CTLA-4 as any of the aforementioned antibodies.

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is a CTLA-4 biosimilar monoclonal antibody approved by drug regulatory authorities with reference to zalifrelimab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar comprises an anti-CTLA-4 antibody comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 97% sequence identity, e.g., 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity, to the amino acid sequence of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product and which comprises one or more post-translational modifications as compared to the reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is zalifrelimab. In some embodiments, the one or more post-translational modifications are selected from one or more of: glycosylation, oxidation, deamidation, and truncation. The amino acid sequences of zalifrelimab are set forth in Table 25. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody authorized or submitted for authorization, wherein the anti-CTLA-4 antibody is provided in a formulation which differs from the formulations of a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is zalifrelimab. The anti-CTLA-4 antibody may be authorized by a drug regulatory authority such as the U.S. FDA and/or the European Union's EMA. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is zalifrelimab. In some embodiments, the biosimilar is provided as a composition which further comprises one or more excipients, wherein the one or more excipients are the same or different to the excipients comprised in a reference medicinal product or reference biological product, wherein the reference medicinal product or reference biological product is zalifrelimab.

TABLE 25 Amino acid sequences for zalifrelimab. Identifier Sequence (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 228 EVQLVESGGG LVKPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS SYSMNWVRQA PGKGLEWVSS ISSSSSYIYY 60 zalifrelimab ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCARVG LMGPFDIWGQ GTMVTVSSAS 120 heavy chain TKGPSVFPLA PSSKSTSGGT AALGCLVKDY FPEPVTVSWN SGALTSGVHT FPAVLQSSGL 180 YSLSSVVTVP SSSLGTQTYI CNVNHKPSNT KVDKRVEPKS CDKTHTCPPC PAPELLGGPS 240 VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVKENWYV DGVEVHNAKT KPREEQYNST 300 YRVVSVLTVL HQDWINGKEY KCKVSNKALP APIEKTISKA KGQPREPQVY TLPPSREEMT 360 KNQVSLTCLV KGFYPSDIAV EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLD SDGSFFLYSK LTVDKSRWQQ 420 GNVFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPGK 448 SEQ ID NO: 229 EIVLTQSPGT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQSVS RYLGWYQQKP GQAPRLLIYG ASTRATGIPD 60 zalifrelimab RFSGSGSGTD FTLTITRLEP EDFAVYYCQQ YGSSPWTFGQ GTKVEIKRTV AAPSVFIFPP 120 light chain SDEQLKSGTA SVVCLLNNFY PREAKVQWKV DNALQSGNSQ ESVTEQDSKD STYSLSSTLT 180 LSKADYEKHK VYACEVTHQG LSSPVTKSEN RGEC 214 SEQ ID NO: 230 EVQLVESGGG LVKPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS SYSMNWVRQA PGKGLEWVSS ISSSSSYIYY 60 zalifrelimab ADSVKGRFTI SRDNAKNSLY LQMNSLRAED TAVYYCARVG LMGPFDIWGQ 118 variable heavy chain GTMVTVSS SEQ ID NO: 231 EIVLTQSPGT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQSVS RYLGWYQQKP GQAPRLLIYG ASTRATGIPD 60 zalifrelimab RFSGSGSGTD FTLTITRLEP EDFAVYYCQQ YGSSPWTFGQ GTKVEIK 107 variable light chain SEQ ID NO: 232 GFTFSSYS 8 zalifrelimab heavy chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 233 ISSSSSYI 8 zalifrelimab heavy chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 234 ARVGLMGPFD I 11 zalifrelimab heavy chain CDR3 SEQ ID NO: 235 QSVSRY 6 zalifrelimab light chain CDR1 SEQ ID NO: 236 GAS 3 zalifrelimab light chain CDR2 SEQ ID NO: 237 QQYGSSPWT 9 zalifrelimab light chain CDR3

Examples of additional anti-CTLA-4 antibodies includes, but are not limited to: AGEN1181, BMS-986218, BCD-145, ONC-392, CS 1002, REGN4659, and ADGTT6, which are known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA-4 antibody is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody disclosed in any of the following patent publications: US 2019/0048096 A1; US 2020/0223907; US 2019/0201334; US 2019/0201334; US 2005/0201994; EP 1212422 BT; WO 2018/204760; WO 2018/204760; WO 2001/014424; WO 2004/035607; WO 2003/086459; WO 2012/120125; WO 2000/037504; WO 2009/100140; WO 2006/09649; WO2005092380; WO 2007/123737; WO 2006/029219; WO 2010/0979597; WO 2006/12168; and WO1997020574, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additional CTLA-4 antibodies are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,811,097, 5,855,887, 6,051,227, and 6,984,720; in PCT Publication Nos. WO 01/14424 and WO 00/37504; and in U.S. Publication Nos. 2002/0039581 and 2002/086014; and/or U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,977,318, 6,682,736, 7,109,003, and 7,132,281, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA-4 antibody is, for example, those disclosed in: WO 98/42752; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,682,736 and 6,207,156; Hurwitz, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1998, 95, 10067-10071 (1998); Camacho, et al., J. Clin. Oncol., 2004, 22, 145 (Abstract No. 2505 (2004) (antibody CP-675206); or Mokyr, et al., Cancer Res., 1998, 58, 5301-5304 (1998), each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is a CTLA-4 ligand as disclosed in WO 1996/040915 (incorporated herein by reference).

In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is a nucleic acid inhibitor of CTLA-4 expression. For example, anti-CTLA-4 RNAi molecules may take the form of the molecules described in PCT Publication Nos. WO 1000/032619 and WO 2001/029058; U.S. Publication Nos. 2003/0051263, 2003/0055020, 2003/0056235, 2004/265839, 2005/0100913, 2006/0024798, 2008/0050342, 2008/0081373, 2008/0248576, and 2008/055443; and/or U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,506,559, 7,282,564, 7,538,095, and 7,560,438 (incorporated herein by reference). In some instances, the anti-CTLA-4 RNAi molecules take the form of double stranded RNAi molecules described in European Patent No. EP 1309726 (incorporated herein by reference). In some instances, the anti-CTLA-4 RNAi molecules take the form of double stranded RNAi molecules described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,056,704 and 7,078,196 (incorporated herein by reference). In some embodiments, the CTLA-4 inhibitor is an aptamer described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2004/081021 (incorporated herein by reference).

In other embodiments, the anti-CTLA-4 RNAi molecules of the present invention are RNA molecules described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,898,031, 6,107,094, 7,432,249, and 7,432,250, and European Application No. EP 0928290 (incorporated herein by reference).

In some embodiments, the TIL therapy provided to patients with cancer may include treatment with therapeutic populations of TILs alone or may include a combination treatment including TILs and one or more CD40 agonists.

CD40L, also called CD40 ligand or CD154, is a protein that is primarily expressed on activated T cells and is a member of the TNF superfamily of molecules. It binds to CD40 on antigen-presenting cells (APC), which leads to many effects depending on the target cell type. CD40L acts as a costimulatory molecule and is particularly important on a subset of T cells called T follicular helper cells (TFH cells). On TFH cells, CD40L promotes B cell maturation and function by engaging CD40 on the B cell surface and therefore facilitating cell-cell communication. Absence of CD40L also stops the formation of germinal centers and therefore prohibiting antibody affinity maturation, an important process in the adaptive immune system.

In some embodiments, a CD40 agonist may be an anti-CD40 antibody. For avoidance of doubt, references herein to a CD40 agonist that is an antibody may refer to a compound or antigen-binding fragments, variants, conjugates, or biosimilars thereof. For avoidance of doubt, references herein to a CD40 inhibitor may also refer to a small molecule compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, solvate, hydrate, cocrystal, or prodrug thereof.

Suitable CD40 agonists for use in the methods of the invention, include, without limitation, anti-CD40 antibodies, human anti-CD40 antibodies, mouse anti-CD40 antibodies, mammalian anti-CD40 antibodies, humanized anti-CD40 antibodies, monoclonal anti-CD40 antibodies, polyclonal anti-CD40 antibodies, chimeric anti-CD40 antibodies, the compositions disclosed in US US 2010/0297154, WO 2004/009615, U.S. Pat. No. 10,844,131, Japanese Pat. Nos. 5752865, 6807890, 6842488, 6807890, and Korean Pat. No. 101403910, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments a CD40 inhibitor binds to CD40 with a Kd of about 10⁻⁶ M or less, 10⁻⁷M or less, 10⁻⁸ M or less, 10⁻⁹ M or less, 10⁻¹⁰ M or less, 10⁻¹¹ M or less, 10⁻¹² M or less, e.g., between 10⁻¹³ M and 10⁻¹⁶ μM, or within any range having any two of the afore-mentioned values as endpoints. In some embodiments a CD40 agonist binds to CD40 with a Kd of no more than 10-fold that of ipilimumab, when compared using the same assay. In some embodiments a CD40 agonist binds to CD40 with a Kd of about the same as, or less (e.g., up to 10-fold lower, or up to 100-fold lower) than that of CD40L, when compared using the same assay.

In some embodiments a CD40 agonist is used in an amount sufficient to activate and/or increase biological activity of CD40 by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 100% relative to a suitable control, e.g., between 50% and 75%, 75% and 90%, or 90% and 100%. In some embodiments a biological system may serve as its own control (e.g., the biological system may be assessed before exposure to or treatment with the agent and compared with the state after exposure or treatment has started or finished. In some embodiments a historical control may be used.

TABLE 26 Amino acid sequence for CD40L Sequence Identifier (One-Letter Amino Acid Symbols) SEQ ID NO: 238 MIETYNQTSPRSAATGLPISMKIFMYLLTVFLI CD40L TQMIGSALFAVYLHRRLDKIEDERNLHEDFVFM KTIQRCNTGERSLSLLNCEEIKSQFEGFVKDIM LNKEETKKENSFEMQKGDQNPQIAAHVISEASS KTTSVLQWAEKGYYTMSNNLVTLENGKQLTVKR QGLYYIYAQVTFCSNREASSQAPFIASLCLKSP GRFERILLRAANTHSSAKPCGQQSIHLGGVFEL QPGASVFVNVTDPSQVSHGTGFTSFGLLKL

D. Combinations with PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 Inhibitors

In some embodiments, the TIL therapy provided to patients with cancer may include treatment with therapeutic populations of TILs alone or may include a combination treatment including TILs and one or more PD-1 and/or PD-L1 and/or CTLA-4 inhibitors.

In some embodiments, the TIL therapy provided to patients with cancer includes treatment with therapeutic populations of TILs in combination with one or more PD-1 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the TIL therapy provided to patients with cancer includes treatment with therapeutic populations of TILs in combination with one or more PD-L1 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the TIL therapy provided to patients with cancer includes treatment with therapeutic populations of TILs in combination with one or more CTLA-4 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the TIL therapy provided to patients with cancer includes treatment with therapeutic populations of TILs in combination with one or more PD-1 inhibitor and one or more PD-L1 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the TIL therapy provided to patients with cancer includes treatment with therapeutic populations of TILs in combination with one or more PD-L1 inhibitor and one or more CTLA-4 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the TIL therapy provided to patients with cancer includes treatment with therapeutic populations of TILs in combination with one or more CTLA-4 inhibitor and one or more PD-1 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the TIL therapy provided to patients with cancer includes treatment with therapeutic populations of TILs in combination with one or more PD-1 inhibitor, one or more PD-L1 inhibitor, and one or more CTLA-4 inhibitor. Any suitable PD-1, PD-L1, or CTLA-4 inhibitor known in the art, such as those described herein, may be used.

E. Lymphodepletion Preconditioning of Patients

In some embodiments, the invention includes a method of treating a cancer with a population of TILs, wherein a patient is pre-treated with non-myeloablative chemotherapy prior to an infusion of TILs according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the invention includes a population of TILs for use in the treatment of cancer in a patient which has been pre-treated with non-myeloablative chemotherapy. In some embodiments, the population of TILs is for administration by infusion. In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative chemotherapy is cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg/d for 2 days (days 27 and 26 prior to TIL infusion) and fludarabine 25 mg/m²/d for 5 days (days 27 to 23 prior to TIL infusion). In some embodiments, after non-myeloablative chemotherapy and TIL infusion (at day 0) according to the present disclosure, the patient receives an intravenous infusion of IL-2 (aldesleukin, commercially available as PROLEUKIN) intravenously at 720,000 IU/kg every 8 hours to physiologic tolerance. In certain embodiments, the population of TILs is for use in treating cancer in combination with IL-2, wherein the IL-2 is administered after the population of TILs.

Experimental findings indicate that lymphodepletion prior to adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T lymphocytes plays a key role in enhancing treatment efficacy by eliminating regulatory T cells and competing elements of the immune system (‘cytokine sinks’). Accordingly, some embodiments of the invention utilize a lymphodepletion step (sometimes also referred to as “immunosuppressive conditioning”) on the patient prior to the introduction of the TILs of the invention.

In general, lymphodepletion is achieved using administration of fludarabine or cyclophosphamide (the active form being referred to as mafosfamide) and combinations thereof. Such methods are described in Gassner, et al., Cancer Immunol. Immunother. 2011, 60, 75-85, Muranski, et al., Nat. Clin. Pract. Oncol., 2006, 3, 668-681, Dudley, et al., J Clin. Oncol. 2008, 26, 5233-5239, and Dudley, et al., J Clin. Oncol. 2005, 23, 2346-2357, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

In some embodiments, the fludarabine is administered at a concentration of 0.5 μg/mL to 10 μg/mL fludarabine. In some embodiments, the fludarabine is administered at a concentration of 1 μg/mL fludarabine. In some embodiments, the fludarabine treatment is administered for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, or 7 days or more. In some embodiments, the fludarabine is administered at a dosage of 10 mg/kg/day, 15 mg/kg/day, 20 mg/kg/day, 25 mg/kg/day, 30 mg/kg/day, 35 mg/kg/day, 40 mg/kg/day, or 45 mg/kg/day. In some embodiments, the fludarabine treatment is administered for 2-7 days at 35 mg/kg/day. In some embodiments, the fludarabine treatment is administered for 4-5 days at 35 mg/kg/day. In some embodiments, the fludarabine treatment is administered for 4-5 days at 25 mg/kg/day.

In some embodiments, the mafosfamide, the active form of cyclophosphamide, is obtained at a concentration of 0.5 μg/mL to 10 μg/mL by administration of cyclophosphamide. In some embodiments, mafosfamide, the active form of cyclophosphamide, is obtained at a concentration of 1 μg/mL by administration of cyclophosphamide. In some embodiments, the cyclophosphamide treatment is administered for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, or 7 days or more. In some embodiments, the cyclophosphamide is administered at a dosage of 100 mg/m²/day, 150 mg/m²/day, 175 mg/m²/day, 200 mg/m²/day, 225 mg/m²/day, 250 mg/m²/day, 275 mg/m²/day, or 300 mg/m²/day. In some embodiments, the cyclophosphamide is administered intravenously (i.e., i.v.) In some embodiments, the cyclophosphamide treatment is administered for 2-7 days at 35 mg/kg/day. In some embodiments, the cyclophosphamide treatment is administered for 4-5 days at 250 mg/m²/day i.v. In some embodiments, the cyclophosphamide treatment is administered for 4 days at 250 mg/m²/day i.v.

In some embodiments, lymphodepletion is performed by administering the fludarabine and the cyclophosphamide together to a patient. In some embodiments, fludarabine is administered at 25 mg/m²/day i.v. and cyclophosphamide is administered at 250 mg/m²/day i.v. over 4 days.

In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion is performed by administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for five days.

In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion is performed by administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day for two days and administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for five days, wherein cyclophosphamide and fludarabine are both administered on the first two days, and wherein the lymphodepletion is performed in five days in total.

In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion is performed by administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of about 50 mg/m²/day for two days and administration of fludarabine at a dose of about 25 mg/m²/day for five days, wherein cyclophosphamide and fludarabine are both administered on the first two days, and wherein the lymphodepletion is performed in five days in total.

In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion is performed by administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of about 50 mg/m²/day for two days and administration of fludarabine at a dose of about 20 mg/m²/day for five days, wherein cyclophosphamide and fludarabine are both administered on the first two days, and wherein the lymphodepletion is performed in five days in total.

In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion is performed by administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of about 40 mg/m²/day for two days and administration of fludarabine at a dose of about 20 mg/m²/day for five days, wherein cyclophosphamide and fludarabine are both administered on the first two days, and wherein the lymphodepletion is performed in five days in total.

In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion is performed by administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of about 40 mg/m²/day for two days and administration of fludarabine at a dose of about 15 mg/m²/day for five days, wherein cyclophosphamide and fludarabine are both administered on the first two days, and wherein the lymphodepletion is performed in three days in total.

In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion is performed by administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day and fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for three days.

In some embodiments, the cyclophosphamide is administered with mesna. In some embodiments, mesna is administered at 15 mg/kg. In some embodiments where mesna is infused, and if infused continuously, mesna can be infused over approximately 2 hours with cyclophosphamide (on Days -5 and/or -4), then at a rate of 3 mg/kg/hour for the remaining 22 hours over the 24 hours starting concomitantly with each cyclophosphamide dose.

In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion comprises the step of treating the patient with an IL-2 regimen starting on the day after administration of the third population of TILs to the patient.

In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion comprises the step of treating the patient with an IL-2 regimen starting on the same day as administration of the third population of TILs to the patient.

In some embodiments, the lymphodeplete comprises 5 days of preconditioning treatment. In some embodiments, the days are indicated as days -5 through -1, or Day 0 through Day 4. In some embodiments, the regimen comprises cyclophosphamide on days -5 and -4 (i.e., days 0 and 1). In some embodiments, the regimen comprises intravenous cyclophosphamide on days -5 and -4 (i.e., days 0 and 1). In some embodiments, the regimen comprises 60 mg/kg intravenous cyclophosphamide on days -5 and -4 (i.e., days 0 and 1). In some embodiments, the cyclophosphamide is administered with mesna. In some embodiments, the regimen further comprises fludarabine. In some embodiments, the regimen further comprises intravenous fludarabine. In some embodiments, the regimen further comprises 25 mg/m² intravenous fludarabine. In some embodiments, the regimen further comprises 25 mg/m² intravenous fludarabine on days -5 and -1 (i.e., days 0 through 4). In some embodiments, the regimen further comprises 25 mg/m² intravenous fludarabine on days −5 and -1 (i.e., days 0 through 4).

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen comprises the steps of administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day and fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for five days.

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen comprises the steps of administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for five days.

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen comprises the steps of administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for three days

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen comprises the steps of administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day and fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for three days.

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen comprises the steps of administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day and fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for one day.

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen comprises the steps of administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for three days.

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen comprises the steps of administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of 60 mg/m²/day and fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for two days followed by administration of fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m²/day for three days.

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen is administered according to Table 27.

TABLE 27 Exemplary lymphodepletion and treatment regimen. Day −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 Cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg X X Mesna (as needed) X X Fludarabine 25 mg/m²/day X X X X X TIL infusion X

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen is administered according to Table 28.

TABLE 28 Exemplary lymphodepletion and treatment regimen. Day −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 Cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg X X Mesna (as needed) X X Fludarabine 25 mg/m²/day X X X X TIL infusion X

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen is administered according to Table 29.

TABLE 29 Exemplary lymphodepletion and treatment regimen. Day −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 Cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg X X Mesna (as needed) X X Fludarabine 25 mg/m²/day X X X TIL infusion X

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen is administered according to Table 30.

TABLE 30 Exemplary lymphodepletion and treatment regimen. Day −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 Cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg X X Mesna (as needed) X X Fludarabine 25 mg/m²/day X X X TIL infusion X

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen is administered according to Table 31.

TABLE 31 Exemplary lymphodepletion and treatment regimen. Day −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 Cyclophosphamide 300 mg/kg X X Mesna (as needed) X X Fludarabine 30 mg/m²/day X X X X X TIL infusion X

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen is administered according to Table 32.

TABLE 32 Exemplary lymphodepletion and treatment regimen. Day −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 Cyclophosphamide 300 mg/kg X X Mesna (as needed) X X Fludarabine 30 mg/m²/day X X X X TIL infusion X

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen is administered according to Table 33.

TABLE 33 Exemplary lymphodepletion and treatment regimen. Day −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 Cyclophosphamide 300 mg/kg X X Mesna (as needed) X X Fludarabine 30 mg/m²/day X X X TIL infusion X

In some embodiments, the non-myeloablative lymphodepletion regimen is administered according to Table 34.

TABLE 34 Exemplary lymphodepletion and treatment regimen. Day −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 Cyclophosphamide 300 mg/kg X X Mesna (as needed) X X Fludarabine 30 mg/m²/day X X X TIL infusion X

In some embodiments, the TIL infusion used with the foregoing embodiments of myeloablative lymphodepletion regimens may be any TIL composition described herein, as well as the addition of IL-2 regimens and administration of co-therapies (such as PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors) as described herein.

F. IL-2 Regimens

In some embodiments, the IL-2 regimen comprises a high-dose IL-2 regimen, wherein the high-dose IL-2 regimen comprises aldesleukin, or a biosimilar or variant thereof, administered intravenously starting on the day after administering a therapeutically effective portion of the therapeutic population of TILs, wherein the aldesleukin or a biosimilar or variant thereof is administered at a dose of 0.037 mg/kg or 0.044 mg/kg IU/kg (patient body mass) using 15-minute bolus intravenous infusions every eight hours until tolerance, for a maximum of 14 doses. Following 9 days of rest, this schedule may be repeated for another 14 doses, for a maximum of 28 doses in total. In some embodiments, IL-2 is administered in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 doses. In some embodiments, IL-2 is administered at a maximum dosage of up to 6 doses.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 regimen comprises a decrescendo IL-2 regimen. Decrescendo IL-2 regimens have been described in O'Day, et al., J Clin. Oncol. 1000, 17, 2752-61 and Eton, et al., Cancer 2000, 88, 1703-9, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, a decrescendo IL-2 regimen comprises 18×10⁶ IU/m² aldesleukin, or a biosimilar or variant thereof, administered intravenously over 6 hours, followed by 18×10⁶ IU/m² administered intravenously over 12 hours, followed by 18×10⁶ IU/m² administered intravenously over 24 hours, followed by 4.5×10⁶ IU/m² administered intravenously over 72 hours. This treatment cycle may be repeated every 28 days for a maximum of four cycles. In some embodiments, a decrescendo IL-2 regimen comprises 18,000,000 IU/m² on day 1, 9,000,000 IU/m² on day 2, and 4,500,000 IU/m² on days 3 and 4.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 regimen comprises a low-dose IL-2 regimen. Any low-dose IL-2 regimen known in the art may be used, including the low-dose IL-2 regimens described in Dominguez-Villar and Hafler, Nat. Immunology 2000, 19, 665-673; Hartemann, et al., LancetDiabetes Endocrinol. 2013, 1, 295-305; and Rosenzwaig, et al., Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2019, 78, 209-217, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, a low-dose IL-2 regimen comprises 18×10⁶ IU per m² of aldesleukin, or a biosimilar or variant thereof, per 24 hours, administered as a continuous infusion for 5 days, followed by 2-6 days without IL-2 therapy, optionally followed by an additional 5 days of intravenous aldesleukin or a biosimilar or variant thereof, as a continuous infusion of 18×10⁶ IU per m² per 24 hours, optionally followed by 3 weeks without IL-2 therapy, after which additional cycles may be administered.

In some embodiments, IL-2 is administered at a maximum dosage of up to 6 doses. In some embodiments, the high-dose IL-2 regimen is adapted for pediatric use. In some embodiments, a dose of 600,000 international units (IU)/kg of aldesleukin every 8-12 hours for up to a maximum of 6 doses is used. In some embodiments, a dose of 500,000 international units (IU)/kg of aldesleukin every 8-12 hours for up to a maximum of 6 doses is used. In some embodiments, a dose of 400,000 international units (IU)/kg of aldesleukin every 8-12 hours for up to a maximum of 6 doses is used. In some embodiments, a dose of 500,000 international units (IU)/kg of aldesleukin every 8-12 hours for up to a maximum of 6 doses is used. In some embodiments, a dose of 300,000 international units (IU)/kg of aldesleukin every 8-12 hours for up to a maximum of 6 doses is used. In some embodiments, a dose of 200,000 international units (IU)/kg of aldesleukin every 8-12 hours for up to a maximum of 6 doses is used. In some embodiments, a dose of 100,000 international units (IU)/kg of aldesleukin every 8-12 hours for up to a maximum of 6 doses is used.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 regimen comprises administration of pegylated IL-2 every 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 14 or 21 days at a dose of 0.10 mg/day to 50 mg/day. In some embodiments, the IL-2 regimen comprises administration of bempegaldesleukin, or a fragment, variant, or biosimilar thereof, every 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 14 or 21 days at a dose of 0.10 mg/day to 50 mg/day.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 regimen comprises administration of THOR-707, or a fragment, variant, or biosimilar thereof, every 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 14 or 21 days at a dose of 0.10 mg/day to 50 mg/day.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 regimen comprises administration of nemvaleukin alfa, or a fragment, variant, or biosimilar thereof, following administration of TIL. In certain embodiments, the patient the nemvaleukin is administered every 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 14 or 21 days at a dose of 0.10 mg/day to 50 mg/day.

In some embodiments, the IL-2 regimen comprises administration of an IL-2 fragment engrafted onto an antibody backbone. In some embodiments, the IL-2 regimen comprises administration of an antibody-cytokine engrafted protein that binds the IL-2 low affinity receptor. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a heavy chain variable region (V_(H)), comprising complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2, HCDR3; a light chain variable region (V_(L)), comprising LCDR1, LCDR2, LCDR3; and an IL-2 molecule or a fragment thereof engrafted into a CDR of the V_(H) or the V_(L), wherein the antibody cytokine engrafted protein preferentially expands T effector cells over regulatory T cells. In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein comprises a heavy chain variable region (V_(H)), comprising complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2, HCDR3; a light chain variable region (V_(L)), comprising LCDR1, LCDR2, LCDR3; and an IL-2 molecule or a fragment thereof engrafted into a CDR of the V_(H) or the V_(L), wherein the IL-2 molecule is a mutein, and wherein the antibody cytokine engrafted protein preferentially expands T effector cells over regulatory T cells. In some embodiments, the IL-2 regimen comprises administration of an antibody comprising a heavy chain selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:29 and SEQ ID NO:38 and a light chain selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:37 and SEQ ID NO:39, or a fragment, variant, or biosimilar thereof, every 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 14 or 21 days at a dose of 0.10 mg/day to 50 mg/day

In some embodiments, the antibody cytokine engrafted protein described herein has a longer serum half-life that a wild-type IL-2 molecule such as, but not limited to, aldesleukin (Proleukin®) or a comparable molecule.

In some embodiments, the TIL infusion used with the foregoing embodiments of myeloablative lymphodepletion regimens may be any TIL composition described herein and may also include infusions of MILs and PBLs in place of the TIL infusion, as well as the addition of IL-2 regimens and administration of co-therapies (such as PD-1 and/or PD-L1 inhibitors and/or CTLA-4 inhibitors) as described herein.

EXAMPLES

The embodiments encompassed herein are now described with reference to the following examples. These examples are provided for the purpose of illustration only and the disclosure encompassed herein should in no way be construed as being limited to these examples, but rather should be construed to encompass any and all variations which become evident as a result of the teachings provided herein.

Example 1: Preparation of Media for Pre-Rep and Rep Processes

This example describes the procedure for the preparation of tissue culture media for use in protocols involving the culture of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) derived from various solid tumors. This media can be used for preparation of any of the TILs described in the present application and other examples.

Preparation of CM1. Removed the following reagents from cold storage and warm them in a 37° C. water bath: (RPMI1640, Human AB serum, 200 mM L-glutamine). Prepared CM1 medium according to Table 35 below by adding each of the ingredients into the top section of a 0.2 μm filter unit appropriate to the volume to be filtered. Store at 4° C.

TABLE 35 Preparation of CM1 Final Final Volume Final Ingredient concentration 500 mL Volume IL RPMI1640 NA 450 mL 900 mL Human AB serum, 50 mL 100 mL heat-inactivated 10% 200 mM L-glutamine 2 mM 5 mL 10 mL 55 mM BME 55 μM 0.5 mL 1 mL 50 mg/mL 50 μg/mL 0.5 mL 1 mL gentamicin sulfate

On the day of use, prewarmed required amount of CM1 in 37° C. water bath and add 6000 IU/mL IL-2.

Additional supplementation may be performed as needed according to Table 36.

TABLE 36 Additional supplementation of CM1, as needed. Stock Final Supplement concentration Dilution concentration GlutaMAX™ 200 mM 1:100 2 mM Penicillin/ 10,000 U/mL 1:100 100 U/mL penicillin streptomycin penicillin 100 ug/mL 10,000 μg/mL streptomycin streptomycin Amphotericin B 250 μg/mL 1:100 2.5 μg/mL

Preparation of CM2

Removed prepared CM1 from refrigerator or prepare fresh CM1. Removed AIM-V® from refrigerator and prepared the amount of CM2 needed by mixing prepared CM1 with an equal volume of AIM-V® in a sterile media bottle. Added 3000 IU/mL IL-2 to CM2 medium on the day of usage. Made sufficient amount of CM2 with 3000 IU/mL IL-2 on the day of usage. Labeled the CM2 media bottle with its name, the initials of the preparer, the date it was filtered/prepared, the two-week expiration date and store at 4° C. until needed for tissue culture.

Preparation of CM3

Prepared CM3 on the day it was required for use. CM3 was the same as AIM-V® medium, supplemented with 3000 IU/mL IL-2 on the day of use. Prepared an amount of CM3 sufficient to experimental needs by adding IL-2 stock solution directly to the bottle or bag of AIM-V. Mixed well by gentle shaking. Label bottle with “3000 IU/mL IL-2” immediately after adding to the AIM-V. If there was excess CM3, stored it in bottles at 4° C. labeled with the media name, the initials of the preparer, the date the media was prepared, and its expiration date (7 days after preparation). Discarded media supplemented with IL-2 after 7 days storage at 4° C.

Preparation of CM4

CM4 was the same as CM3, with the additional supplement of 2 mM GlutaMAX™ (final concentration). For every 1 L of CM3, add 10 mL of 200 mM GlutaMAX™. Prepare an amount of CM4 sufficient to experimental needs by adding IL-2 stock solution and GlutaMAX™ stock solution directly to the bottle or bag of AIM-V. Mixed well by gentle shaking. Labeled bottle with “3000 IL/mL IL-2 and GlutaMAX” immediately after adding to the AIM-V. If there was excess CM4, stored it in bottles at 4° C. labeled with the media name, “GlutaMAX”, and its expiration date (7 days after preparation). Discarded media supplemented with IL-2 after more than 7-days storage at 4° C.

Example 2: Use of IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 Cytokine Cocktail

This example describes the use of IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 cytokines, which serve as additional T cell growth factors, in combination with the TIL process of any of the examples herein.

Using the processes described herein, TILs can be grown from tumors in presence of IL-2 in one arm of the experiment and, in place of IL-2, a combination of IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 in another arm at the initiation of culture. At the completion of the pre-REP, cultures were assessed for expansion, phenotype, function (CD10⁷a+ and IFN-γ) and TCR Vβ repertoire. IL-15 and IL-21 are described elsewhere herein and in Santegoets, et al., J. Transl. Med., 2013,11, 37.

The results can show that enhanced TIL expansion (>20%), in both CD⁴+ and CD⁸+ cells in the IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 treated conditions can observed relative to the IL-2 only conditions. There was a skewing towards a predominantly CD⁸+ population with a skewed TCR Vβ repertoire in the TILs obtained from the IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 treated cultures relative to the IL-2 only cultures. IFN-γ and CD10⁷a were elevated in the IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21 treated TILs, in comparison to TILs treated only IL-2.

Example 3: Qualifying Individual Lots of Gamma-Irradiated Peripheral Mononuclear Cells

This Example describes an abbreviated procedure for qualifying individual lots of gamma-irradiated peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs, also known as mononuclear cells or MNCs) for use as allogeneic feeder cells in the exemplary methods described herein.

Each irradiated MNC feeder lot was prepared from an individual donor. Each lot or donor was screened individually for its ability to expand TIL in the REP in the presence of purified anti-CD3 (clone OKT3) antibody and interleukin-2 (IL-2). In addition, each lot of feeder cells was tested without the addition of TIL to verify that the received dose of gamma radiation was sufficient to render them replication incompetent.

Gamma-irradiated, growth-arrested MNC feeder cells are required for REP of TILs. Membrane receptors on the feeder MNCs bind to anti-CD3 (clone OKT3) antibody and crosslink to TILs in the REP flask, stimulating the TIL to expand. Feeder lots were prepared from the leukapheresis of whole blood taken from individual donors. The leukapheresis product was subjected to centrifugation over Ficoll-Hypaque, washed, irradiated, and cryopreserved under GMP conditions.

It is important that patients who received TIL therapy not be infused with viable feeder cells as this can result in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Feeder cells are therefore growth-arrested by dosing the cells with gamma-irradiation, resulting in double strand DNA breaks and the loss of cell viability of the MNC cells upon re-culture.

Feeder lots were evaluated on two criteria: (1) their ability to expand TILs in co-culture >100-fold and (2) their replication incompetency.

Feeder lots were tested in mini-REP format utilizing two primary pre-REP TIL lines grown in upright T25 tissue culture flasks. Feeder lots were tested against two distinct TIL lines, as each TIL line is unique in its ability to proliferate in response to activation in a REP. As a control, a lot of irradiated MNC feeder cells which has historically been shown to meet the criteria above was run alongside the test lots.

To ensure that all lots tested in a single experiment receive equivalent testing, sufficient stocks of the same pre-REP TIL lines were available to test all conditions and all feeder lots.

For each lot of feeder cells tested, there was a total of six T25 flasks: Pre-REP TIL line #1 (2 flasks); Pre-REP TIL line #2 (2 flasks); and feeder control (2 flasks). Flasks containing TIL lines #1 and #2 evaluated the ability of the feeder lot to expand TIL. The feeder control flasks evaluated the replication incompetence of the feeder lot.

A. Experimental Protocol

Day -2/3, Thaw of TIL lines. Prepare CM2 medium and warm CM2 in 37° C. water bath. Prepare 40 mL of CM2 supplemented with 3000 IU/mL IL-2. Keep warm until use. Place 20 mL of pre-warmed CM2 without IL-2 into each of two 50 mL conical tubes labeled with names of the TIL lines used. Removed the two designated pre-REP TIL lines from LN2 storage and transferred the vials to the tissue culture room. Thawed vials by placing them inside a sealed zipper storage bag in a 37° C. water bath until a small amount of ice remains.

Using a sterile transfer pipet, the contents of each vial were immediately transferred into the 20 mL of CM2 in the prepared, labeled 50 mL conical tube. QS to 40 mL using CM2 without IL-2 to wash cells and centrifuged at 400×CF for 5 minutes. Aspirated the supernatant and resuspend in 5 mL warm CM2 supplemented with 3000 IU/mL IL-2.

A small aliquot (20 μL) was removed in duplicate for cell counting using an automated cell counter. The counts were recorded. While counting, the 50 mL conical tube with TIL cells was placed into a humidified 37° C., 5% CO₂ incubator, with the cap loosened to allow for gas exchange. The cell concentration was determined, and the TILs were diluted to 1×10⁶ cells/mL in CM2 supplemented with IL-2 at 3000 IU/mL.

Cultured in 2 mL/well of a 24-well tissue culture plate in as many wells as needed in a humidified 37° C. incubator until Day 0 of the mini-REP. The different TIL lines were cultured in separate 24-well tissue culture plates to avoid confusion and potential cross-contamination.

Day 0, initiate Mini-REP. Prepared enough CM2 medium for the number of feeder lots to be tested. (e.g., for testing 4 feeder lots at one time, prepared 800 mL of CM2 medium). Aliquoted a portion of the CM2 prepared above and supplemented it with 3000 IU/mL IL-2 for the culturing of the cells. (e.g., for testing 4 feeder lots at one time, prepare 500 mL of CM2 medium with 3000 IU/mL IL-2).

Working with each TIL line separately to prevent cross-contamination, the 24-well plate with TIL culture was removed from the incubator and transferred to the BSC.

Using a sterile transfer pipet or 100-1000 μL pipettor and tip, about 1 mL of medium was removed from each well of TILs to be used and placed in an unused well of the 24-well tissue culture plate.

Using a fresh sterile transfer pipet or 100-1000 μL pipettor and tip, the remaining medium was mixed with TILs in wells to resuspend the cells and then transferred the cell suspension to a 50 mL conical tube labeled with the TIL lot name and recorded the volume.

Washed the wells with the reserved media and transferred that volume to the same 50 mL conical tube. Spun the cells at 400×CF to collect the cell pellet. Aspirated off the media supernatant and resuspend the cell pellet in 2-5 mL of CM2 medium containing 3000 IU/mL IL-2, volume to be used based on the number of wells harvested and the size of the pellet—volume should be sufficient to ensure a concentration of >1.3×10⁶ cells/mL.

Using a serological pipet, the cell suspension was mixed thoroughly and the volume was recorded. Removed 200 μL for a cell count using an automated cell counter.

While counting, placed the 50 mL conical tube with TIL cells into a humidified, 5% CO₂, 37° C. incubator, with the cap loosened to allow gas exchange. Recorded the counts.

Removed the 50 mL conical tube containing the TIL cells from the incubator and resuspend them cells at a concentration of 1.3×10⁶ cells/mL in warm CM2 supplemented with 3000 IU/mL IL-2. Returned the 50 mL conical tube to the incubator with a loosened cap.

The steps above were repeated for the second TIL line.

Just prior to plating the TIL into the T25 flasks for the experiment, TIL were diluted 1:10 for a final concentration of 1.3×10⁵ cells/mL as per below.

Prepare MACS GMP CD3 pure (OKT3) working solution. Took out stock solution of OKT3 (1 mg/mL) from 4° C. refrigerator and placed in BSC. A final concentration of 30 ng/mL OKT3 was used in the media of the mini-REP.

600 ng of OKT3 were needed for 20 mL in each T25 flask of the experiment; this was the equivalent of 60 μL of a 10 μg/mL solution for each 20 mL, or 360 μL for all 6 flasks tested for each feeder lot.

For each feeder lot tested, made 400 μL of a 1:100 dilution of 1 mg/mL OKT3 for a working concentration of 10 μg/mL (e.g., for testing 4 feeder lots at one time, make 1600 μL of a 1:100 dilution of 1 mg/mL OKT3: 16 μL of 1 mg/mL OKT3+1.584 mL of CM2 medium with 3000 IU/mL IL-2.)

Prepare T25 flasks. Labeled each flask and filled flask with the CM2 medium prior to preparing the feeder cells. Placed flasks into 37° C. humidified 5% CO₂ incubator to keep media warm while waiting to add the remaining components. Once feeder cells were prepared, the components will be added to the CM2 in each flask.

Further information is provided in Table 37.

TABLE 37 Solution information. Volume in Volume in co- control (feeder Component culture flasks only) flasks CM2 + 3000 IU/mL IL-2 18 mL 19 mL MNC: 1.3 × 10⁷/mL in CM2 + 3000  1 mL  1 mL IU IL-2 (final concentration 1.3 × 10⁷/flask) OKT3: 10 μL/mL in CM2 = 3000 IU 60 μL 60 μL IL-2 TIL: 1.3 × 10⁵/mL in CM2 with 3000  1 mL 0 IU of IL-2 (final concentration 1.3 × 10⁵/flask)

Prepare Feeder Cells. A minimum of 78×10⁶ feeder cells were needed per lot tested for this protocol. Each 1 mL vial frozen by SDBB had 100×10⁶ viable cells upon freezing. Assuming a 50% recovery upon thaw from liquid N2 storage, it was recommended to thaw at least two 1 mL vials of feeder cells per lot giving an estimated 100×10⁶ viable cells for each REP. Alternately, if supplied in 1.8 mL vials, only one vial provided enough feeder cells.

Before thawing feeder cells, approximately 50 mL of CM2 without IL-2 was pre-warmed for each feeder lot to be tested. The designated feeder lot vials were removed from LN2 storage, placed in zipper storage bag, and placed on ice. Vials were thawed inside closed zipper storage bag by immersing in a 37° C. water bath. Vials were removed from zipper bag, sprayed or wiped with 70% EtOH, and transferred to a BSC.

Using a transfer pipet, the contents of feeder vials were immediately transferred into 30 mL of warm CM2 in a 50 mL conical tube. The vial was washed with a small volume of CM2 to remove any residual cells in the vial and centrifuged at 400×CF for 5 minutes. Aspirated the supernatant and resuspended in 4 mL warm CM2 plus 3000 IU/mL IL-2. Removed 200 μL for cell counting using the automated cell counter. Recorded the counts.

Resuspended cells at 1.3×10⁷ cells/mL in warm CM2 plus 3000 IU/mL IL-2. Diluted TIL cells from 1.3×10⁶ cells/mL to 1.3×10⁵ cells/mL.

Setup Co-Culture. Diluted TIL cells from 1.3×10⁶ cells/mL to 1.3×10⁵ cells/mL. Added 4.5 mL of CM2 medium to a 15 mL conical tube. Removed TIL cells from incubator and resuspended well using a 10 mL serological pipet. Removed 0.5 mL of cells from the 1.3×10⁶ cells/mL TIL suspension and added to the 4.5 mL of medium in the 15 mL conical tube. Returned TIL stock vial to incubator. Mixed well. Repeated for the second TIL line.

Transferred flasks with pre-warmed media for a single feeder lot from the incubator to the BSC. Mixed feeder cells by pipetting up and down several times with a 1 mL pipet tip and transferred 1 mL (1.3×10⁷ cells) to each flask for that feeder lot. Added 60 μL of OKT3 working stock (10 μg/mL) to each flask. Returned the two control flasks to the incubator.

Transferred 1 mL (1.3×10⁵) of each TIL lot to the correspondingly labeled T25 flask. Returned flasks to the incubator and incubate upright. Did not disturb until Day 5. This procedure was repeated for all feeder lots tested.

Day 5, Media change. Prepared CM2 with 3000 IU/mL IL-2. 10 mL is needed for each flask. With a 10 mL pipette, transferred 10 mL warm CM2 with 3000 IU/mL IL-2 to each flask. Returned flasks to the incubator and incubated upright until day 7. Repeated for all feeder lots tested.

Day 7, Harvest. Removed flasks from the incubator and transfer to the BSC, care as taken not to disturb the cell layer on the bottom of the flask. Without disturbing the cells growing on the bottom of the flasks, 10 mL of medium was removed from each test flask and 15 mL of medium from each of the control flasks.

Using a 10 mL serological pipet, the cells were resuspended in the remaining medium and mix well to break up any clumps of cells. After thoroughly mixing cell suspension by pipetting, removed 200 μL for cell counting. Counted the TIL using the appropriate standard operating procedure in conjunction with the automatic cell counter equipment. Recorded counts in day 7. This procedure was repeated for all feeder lots tested.

Feeder control flasks were evaluated for replication incompetence and flasks containing TIL were evaluated for fold expansion from day 0.

Day 7, Continuation of Feeder Control Flasks to Day 14. After completing the day 7 counts of the feeder control flasks, 15 mL of fresh CM2 medium containing 3000 IU/mL IL-2 was added to each of the control flasks. The control flasks were returned to the incubator and incubated in an upright position until day 14.

Day 14, Extended Non-proliferation of Feeder Control Flasks. Removed flasks from the incubator and transfer to the BSC, care was taken not to disturb the cell layer on the bottom of the flask. Without disturbing the cells growing on the bottom of the flasks, approximately 17 mL of medium was removed from each control flasks. Using a 5 mL serological pipet, the cells were resuspended in the remaining medium and mixed well to break up any clumps of cells. The volumes were recorded for each flask.

After thoroughly mixing the cell suspension by pipetting, 200 μL was removed for cell counting. The TIL were counted using the appropriate standard operating procedure in conjunction with the automatic cell counter equipment and the counts were recorded. This procedure was repeated for all feeder lots tested.

B. Results and Acceptance Criteria Protocol

Results. The dose of gamma irradiation was sufficient to render the feeder cells replication incompetent. All lots were expected to meet the evaluation criteria and also demonstrated a reduction in the total viable number of feeder cells remaining on day 7 of the REP culture compared to day 0. All feeder lots were expected to meet the evaluation criteria of 100-fold expansion of TIL growth by day 7 of the REP culture. Day 14 counts of Feeder Control flasks were expected to continue the non-proliferative trend seen on day 7.

Acceptance Criteria. The following acceptance criteria were met for each replicate TIL line tested for each lot of feeder cells. Acceptance criteria were two-fold, as shown in Table 38 below.

TABLE 38 Embodiments of acceptance criteria. Test Acceptance criteria Irradiation of MNC and No growth observed at 7 and 14 days Replication Incompetence TIL expansion At least a 100-fold expansion of each TIL (minimum of 1.3 × 10⁷ viable cells)

The dose of radiation was evaluated for its sufficiency to render the MNC feeder cells replication incompetent when cultured in the presence of 30 ng/mL OKT3 antibody and 3000 IU/mL IL-2. Replication incompetence was evaluated by total viable cell count (TVC) as determined by automated cell counting on day 7 and day 14 of the REP.

The acceptance criteria was “No Growth,” meaning the total viable cell number has not increased on day 7 and day 14 from the initial viable cell number put into culture on Day 0 of the REP.

The ability of the feeder cells to support TIL expansion was evaluated. TIL growth was measured in terms of fold expansion of viable cells from the onset of culture on day 0 of the REP to day 7 of the REP. On day 7, TIL cultures achieved a minimum of 100-fold expansion, (i.e., greater than 100 times the number of total viable TIL cells put into culture on REP day 0), as evaluated by automated cell counting.

Contingency Testing of MNC Feeder Lots that do not meet acceptance criteria. In the event that an MNC feeder lot did not meet the either of the acceptance criteria outlined above, the following steps will be taken to retest the lot to rule out simple experimenter error as its cause.

If there are two or more remaining satellite testing vials of the lot, then the lot was retested. If there were one or no remaining satellite testing vials of the lot, then the lot was failed according to the acceptance criteria listed above.

In order to be qualified, the lot in question and the control lot had to achieve the acceptance criteria above. Upon meeting these criteria, the lot is released for use.

Example 4: Preparation of IL-2 Stock Solution

This Example describes the process of dissolving purified, lyophilized recombinant human interleukin-2 into stock samples suitable for use in further tissue culture protocols, including all of those described in the present application and Examples, including those that involve using rhIL-2.

Procedure. Prepared 0.2% Acetic Acid solution (HAc). Transferred 29 mL sterile water to a 50 mL conical tube. Added 1 mL iN acetic acid to the 50 mL conical tube.

Mixed well by inverting tube 2-3 times. Sterilized the HAc solution by filtration using a Steriflip filter.

Prepare 1% HSA in PBS. Added 4 mL of 25% HSA stock solution to 96 mL PBS in a 150 mL sterile filter unit. Filtered solution. Stored at 4° C. For each vial of rhIL-2 prepared, fill out forms.

Prepared rhIL-2 stock solution (6×10⁶ IU/mL final concentration). Each lot of rhIL-2 was different and required information found in the manufacturer's Certificate of Analysis (COA), such as: 1) Mass of rhIL-2 per vial (mg), 2) Specific activity of rhIL-2 (IU/mg) and 3) Recommended 0.2% HAc reconstitution volume (mL).

Calculated the volume of 1% HSA required for rhIL-2 lot by using the equation below:

${\left( \frac{{Vial}{Mass}({mg}) \times {Biological}{Activity}\left( \frac{IU}{mg} \right)}{6 \times 10^{6}\frac{IU}{mL}} \right) - {{HAc}{vol}({mL})}} = {1\%{HSA}{vol}({mL})}$

For example, according to the COA of rhIL-2 lot 10200121 (Cellgenix), the specific activity for the 1 mg vial is 25×10⁶ IU/mg. It recommends reconstituting the rhIL-2 in 2 mL 0.2% HAc.

${\left( \frac{1{mg} \times 25 \times 10^{6}\frac{IU}{mg}}{6 \times 10^{6}\frac{IU}{mL}} \right) - {2{mL}}} = {2.167{mL}{HSA}}$

Wiped rubber stopper of IL-2 vial with alcohol wipe. Using a 16G needle attached to a 3 mL syringe, injected recommended volume of 0.2% HAc into vial. Took care to not dislodge the stopper as the needle is withdrawn. Inverted vial 3 times and swirled until all powder is dissolved. Carefully removed the stopper and set aside on an alcohol wipe. Added the calculated volume of 1% HSA to the vial.

Storage of rhIL-2 solution. For short-term storage (<72 hrs), stored vial at 4° C. For long-term storage (>72 hrs), aliquoted vial into smaller volumes and stored in cryovials at −20° C. until ready to use. Avoided freeze/thaw cycles. Expired 6 months after date of preparation. Rh-IL-2 labels included vendor and catalog number, lot number, expiration date, operator initials, concentration and volume of aliquot.

Example 5: Cryopreservation Process

This example describes a cryopreservation process method for TILs prepared with the procedures described herein using the CryoMed Controlled Rate Freezer, Model 7454 (Thermo Scientific).

The equipment used was as follows: aluminum cassette holder rack (compatible with CS750 freezer bags), cryostorage cassettes for 750 mL bags, low pressure (22 psi) liquid nitrogen tank, refrigerator, thermocouple sensor (ribbon type for bags), and CryoStore CS750 freezing bags (OriGen Scientific).

The freezing process provides for a 0.5° C. rate from nucleation to −20° C. and 1° C. per minute cooling rate to −80° C. end temperature. The program parameters are as follows: Step 1—wait at 4° C.; Step 2: 1.0° C./min (sample temperature) to −4° C.; Step 3: 20.0° C./min (chamber temperature) to −45° C.; Step 4: 10.0° C./min (chamber temperature) to −10.0° C.; Step 5: 0.5° C./min (chamber temperature) to −20° C.; and Step 6: 1.0° C./min (sample temperature) to −80° C.

Example 6: Tumor Expansion Processes with Defined Medium

The processes disclosed above may be performed substituting the CM1 and CM2 media with a defined medium according (e.g., CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion SFM, ThermoFisher, including for example DM1 and DM2.

Example 7: Exemplary Gen 2 Production of a Cryopreserved Til Cell Therapy

This examples describes the cGMP manufacture of lovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. TIL Cell Therapy Process in G-REX Flasks according to current Good Tissue Practices and current Good Manufacturing Practices. This example describes an exemplary cGMP manufacture of TIL Cell Therapy Process in G-REX Flasks according to current Good Tissue Practices and current Good Manufacturing Practices.

TABLE 39 Process Expansion Exemplary Plan. Estimated Day Estimated Total (post-seed) Activity Target Criteria Anticipated Vessels Volume (mL) 0 Tumor Dissection ≤50 desirable tumor fragments G-REX-100MCS 1 flask ≤1000 per G-REX-100MCS 11 REP Seed 5-200 × 10⁶ viable cells per G-REX-500MCS 1 flasks ≤5000 G-REX-500MCS 16 REP Split 1 × 10⁹ viable cells per G-REX-500MCS ≤5 flasks ≤25000 G-REX-500MCS 22 Harvest Total available cells 3-4 CS-750 bags ≤530

TABLE 40 Flask Volumes. Working Volume/Flask Flask Type (mL) G-REX-100MCS 1000 G-REX-500MCS 5000

Day 0 CM1 Media Preparation. In the BSC added reagents to RPMI 1640 Media bottle. Added the following reagents t Added per bottle: Heat Inactivated Human AB Serum (100.0 mL); GlutaMax™ (10.0 mL); Gentamicin sulfate, 50 mg/mL (1.0 mL); 2-mercaptoethanol (1.0 mL)

Removed unnecessary materials from BSC. Passed out media reagents from BSC, left Gentamicin Sulfate and HBSS in BSC for Formulated Wash Media preparation.

Thawed IL-2 aliquot. Thawed one 1.1 mL IL-2 aliquot (6×10⁶ IU/mL) (BR71424) until all ice had melted. Recorded IL-2: Lot # and Expiry

Transferred IL-2 stock solution to media. In the BSC, transferred 1.0 mL of IL-2 stock solution to the CM1 Day 0 Media Bottle prepared. Added CM1 Day 0 Media 1 bottle and IL-2 (6×10⁶ IU/mL) 1.0 mL.

Passed G-REX100MCS into BSC. Aseptically passed G-REX100MCS (W3013130) into the BSC.

Pumped all Complete CM1 Day 0 Media into G-REX100MCS flask. Tissue Fragments Conical or GRex100MCS.

Day 0 Tumor Wash Media Preparation. In the BSC, added 5.0 mL Gentamicin (W3009832 or W3012735) to 1×500 mL HBSS Media (W3013128) bottle. Added per bottle: HBSS (500.0 mL); Gentamicin sulfate, 50 mg/mL (5.0 mL). Filtered HBSS containing gentamicin prepared through a 1 L 0.22-micron filter unit (W1218810).

Day 0 Tumor Processing. Obtained tumor specimen and transferred into suite at 2-8° C. immediately for processing. Aliquoted tumor wash media. Tumor wash 1 is performed using 8” forceps (W3009771). The tumor is removed from the specimen bottle and transferred to the “Wash 1” dish prepared. This is followed by tumor wash 2 and tumor wash 3. Measured and assessed tumor. Assessed whether >30% of entire tumor area observed to be necrotic and/or fatty tissue. Clean up dissection if applicable. If tumor was large and >30% of tissue exterior was observed to be necrotic/fatty, performed “clean up dissection” by removing necrotic/fatty tissue while preserving tumor inner structure using a combination of scalpel and/or forceps. Dissect tumor. Using a combination of scalpel and/or forceps, cut the tumor specimen into even, appropriately sized fragments (up to 6 intermediate fragments). Transferred intermediate tumor fragments. Dissected tumor fragments into pieces approximately 3×3×3 mm in size. Stored Intermediate Fragments to prevent drying. Repeated intermediate fragment dissection. Determined number of pieces collected. If desirable tissue remains, selected additional favorable tumor pieces from the “favorable intermediate fragments” 6-well plate to fill the drops for a maximum of 50 pieces.

Prepared conical tube. Transferred tumor pieces to 50 mL conical tube. Prepared BSC for G-REX100MCS. Removed G-REX100MCS from incubator. Aseptically passed G-REX100MCS flask into the BSC. Added tumor fragments to G-REX100MCS flask. Evenly distributed pieces.

Incubated G-REX100MCS at the following parameters: Incubated G-REX flask: Temperature LED Display: 37.0±2.0° C.; CO₂ Percentage: 5.0±1.5% CO₂. Calculations: Time of incubation; lower limit=time of incubation+252 hours; upper limit=time of incubation+276 hours.

After process was complete, discarded any remaining warmed media and thawed aliquots of IL-2.

Day 11—Media Preparation. Monitored incubator. Incubator parameters: Temperature LED Display: 37.0±2.0° C.; CO₂ Percentage: 5.0±1.5% CO₂.

Warmed 3×1000 mL RPMI 1640 Media (W3013112) bottles and 3×1000 mL AIM-V (W3009501) bottles in an incubator for >30 minutes. Removed RPMI 1640 Media from incubator. Prepared RPMI 1640 Media. Filter Media. Thawed 3×1.1 mL aliquots of IL-2 (6×10⁶ IU/mL) (BR71424). Removed AIM-V Media from the incubator. Add IL-2 to AIM-V. Aseptically transferred a 10 L Labtainer Bag and a repeater pump transfer set into the BSC.

Prepared 10 L Labtainer media bag. Prepared Baxa pump. Prepared 10L Labtainer media bag. Pumped media into 10 L Labtainer. Removed pumpmatic from Labtainer bag.

Mixed media. Gently massaged the bag to mix. Sample media per sample plan. Removed 20.0 mL of media and place in a 50 mL conical tube. Prepared cell count dilution tubes. In the BSC, added 4.5 mL of AIM-V Media that had been labelled with “For Cell Count Dilutions” and lot number to four 15 mL conical tubes. Transferred reagents from the BSC to 2-8° C. Prepared 1 L Transfer Pack. Outside of the BSC weld (per Process Note 5.11) a 1 L Transfer Pack to the transfer set attached to the “Complete CM2 Day 11 Media” bag prepared. Prepared feeder cell transfer pack. Incubated Complete CM2 Day 11 Media.

Day 11—TIL Harvest. Preprocessing table. Incubator parameters: Temperature LED display: 37.0±2.0° C.; CO₂ Percentage: 5.0±1.5% CO₂. Removed G-REX100MCS from incubator. Prepared 300 mL Transfer Pack. Welded transfer packs to G-REX100MCS.

Prepare flask for TIL Harvest and initiation of TIL Harvest. TIL Harvested. Using the GatheRex, transferred the cell suspension through the blood filter into the 300 mL transfer pack. Inspect membrane for adherent cells.

Rinsed flask membrane. Closed clamps on G-REX100MCS. Ensured all clamps are closed. Heat sealed the TIL and the “Supernatant” transfer pack. Calculated volume of TIL suspension. Prepared Supernatant Transfer Pack for Sampling.

Pulled Bac-T Sample. In the BSC, draw up approximately 20.0 mL of supernatant from the 1 L “Supernatant” transfer pack and dispense into a sterile 50 mL conical tube.

Inoculated BacT per Sample Plan. Removed a 1.0 mL sample from the 50 mL conical labeled BacT prepared using an appropriately sized syringe and inoculated the anaerobic bottle.

Incubated TIL. Placed TIL transfer pack in incubator until needed. Performed cell counts and calculations. Determined the Average of Viable Cell Concentration and Viability of the cell counts performed. Viability+2. Viable Cell Concentration+2.

Determined Upper and Lower Limit for counts. Lower Limit: Average of Viable Cell Concentration×0.9. Upper Limit: Average of Viable Cell Concentration×1.1. Confirmed both counts within acceptable limits. Determined an average Viable Cell Concentration from all four counts performed.

Adjusted Volume of TIL Suspension: Calculate the adjusted volume of TIL suspension after removal of cell count samples. Total TIL Cell Volume (A). Volume of Cell Count Sample Removed (4.0 mL) (B) Adjusted Total TIL Cell Volume C=A-B.

Calculated Total Viable TIL Cells. Average Viable Cell Concentration+: Total Volume; Total Viable Cells: C=A×B.

Calculation for flow cytometry: if the Total Viable TIL Cell count from was >4.0×10⁷, calculated the volume to obtain 1.0×10⁷cells for the flow cytometry sample.

Total viable cells required for flow cytometry: 1.0×10⁷cells. Volume of cells required for flow cytometry: Viable cell concentration divided by 1.xO10⁷cells A.

Calculated the volume of TIL suspension equal to 2.0×10⁸viable cells. As needed, calculated the excess volume of TIL cells to remove and removed excess TIL and placed TIL in incubator as needed. Calculated total excess TIL removed, as needed.

Calculated amount of CS-10 media to add to excess TIL cells with the target cell concentration for freezing is 1.0×10⁸ cells/mL. Centrifuged excess TILs, as needed. Observed conical tube and added CS-10.

Filled Vials. Aliquoted 1.0 mL cell suspension, into appropriately sized cryovials. Aliquoted residual volume into appropriately sized cryovial. If volume is <0.5 mL, add CS10 to vial until volume is 0.5 mL.

Calculated the volume of cells required to obtain 1×10⁷cells for cryopreservation. Removed sample for cryopreservation. Placed TIL in incubator.

Cryopreservation of sample. Observed conical tube and added CS-10 slowly and record volume of 0.5 mL of CS10 added.

Day 11—Feeder Cells. Obtained feeder cells. Obtained 3 bags of feeder cells with at least two different lot numbers from LN2 freezer. Kept cells on dry ice until ready to thaw. Prepared water bath or cryotherm. Thawed feeder cells at 37.0±2.0° C. in the water bath or cytotherm for −3-5 minutes or until ice has just disappeared. Removed media from incubator. Pooled thawed feeder cells. Added feeder cells to transfer pack. Dispensed the feeder cells from the syringe into the transfer pack. Mixed pooled feeder cells and labeled transfer pack.

Calculated total volume of feeder cell suspension in transfer pack. Removed cell count samples. Using a separate 3 mL syringe for each sample, pulled 4×1.0 mL cell count samples from Feeder Cell Suspension Transfer Pack using the needless injection port. Aliquoted each sample into the cryovials labeled. Performed cell counts and determine multiplication factors, elected protocols and entered multiplication factors. Determined the average of viable cell concentration and viability of the cell counts performed. Determined upper and lower limit for counts and confirm within limits.

Adjusted volume of feeder cell suspension. Calculated the adjusted volume of feeder cell suspension after removal of cell count samples. Calculated total viable feeder cells. Obtained additional feeder cells as needed. Thawed additional feeder cells as needed. Placed the 4th feeder cell bag into a zip top bag and thaw in a 37.0±2.0° C. water bath or cytotherm for ˜3-5 minutes and pooled additional feeder cells. Measured volume. Measured the volume of the feeder cells in the syringe and recorded below (B). Calculated the new total volume of feeder cells. Added feeder cells to transfer pack.

Prepared dilutions as needed, adding 4.5 mL of AIM-V Media to four 15 mL conical tubes. Prepared cell counts. Using a separate 3 mL syringe for each sample, removed 4×1.0 mL cell count samples from Feeder Cell Suspension transfer pack, using the needless injection port. Performed cell counts and calculations. Determined an average viable cell concentration from all four counts performed. Adjusted volume of feeder cell suspension and calculated the adjusted volume of feeder cell suspension after removal of cell count samples. Total Feeder Cell Volume minues 4.0 mL removed. Calculated the volume of Feeder Cell Suspension that was required to obtain 5×10⁹viable feeder cells. Calculated excess feeder cell volume. Calculated the volume of excess feeder cells to remove. Removed excess feeder cells.

Using a 1.0 mL syringe and 16G needle, drew up 0.15 mL of OKT3 and added OKT3. Heat sealed the feeder cell suspension transfer pack.

Day 11 G-REX Fill and Seed Set up G-REX500MCS. Removed “Complete CM2 Day 11 Media”, from incubator and pumped media into G-REX500MCS. Pumped 4.5 L of media into the G-REX500MCS, filling to the line marked on the flask. Heat sealed and incubated flask as needed. Welded the Feeder Cell suspension transfer pack to the G-REX500MCS. Added Feeder Cells to G-REX500MCS. Heat sealed. Welded the TIL Suspension transfer pack to the flask. Added TIL to G-REX500MCS. Heat sealed. Incubated G-REX500MCS at 37.0±2.0° C., CO₂ Percentage: 5.0±1.5% CO₂.

Calculated incubation window. Performed calculations to determine the proper time to remove G-REX500MCS from incubator on Day 16. Lower limit: Time of incubation+10⁸ hours. Upper limit: Time of incubation+132 hours.

Day 11 Excess TIL Cryopreservation. Applicable: Froze Excess TIL Vials. Verified the CRF has been set up prior to freeze. Perform Cryopreservation. Transferred vials from Controlled Rate Freezer to the appropriate storage. Upon completion of freeze, transfer vials from CRF to the appropriate storage container. Transferred vials to appropriate storage. Recorded storage location in LN2.

Day 16 Media Preparation. Pre-warmed AIM-V Media. Calculated time Media was warmed for media bags 1, 2, and 3. Ensured all bags have been warmed for a duration between 12 and 24 hours. Setup 10L Labtainer for Supernatant. Attached the larger diameter end of a fluid pump transfer set to one of the female ports of a 10L Labtainer bag using the Luer connectors. Setup 10L Labtainer for Supematant and label. Setup 10L Labtainer for Supernatant. Ensure all clamps were closed prior to removing from the BSC. NOTE: Supematant bag was used during TIL Harvest, which may be performed concurrently with media preparation.

Thawed IL-2. Thawed 5×1.1 mL aliquots of IL-2 (6×10⁶ IU/mL) (BR71424) per bag of CTS AIM V media until all ice had melted. Aliquoted 100.0 mL GlutaMax™. Added IL-2 to GlutaMax™. Prepared CTS AIM V media bag for formulation. Prepared CTS AIM V media bag for formulation. Stage Baxa Pump. Prepared to formulate media. Pumped GlutaMax™+IL-2 into bag. Monitored parameters: Temperature LED Display: 37.0±2.0° C., CO₂ Percentage: 5.0±1.5% CO₂. Warmed Complete CM4 Day 16 Media.

Prepared Dilutions.

Day 16 REP Spilt. Monitored Incubator parameters: Temperature LED display: 37.0±2.0° C., CO₂ Percentage: 5.0±1.5% CO₂. Removed G-REX500MCS from the incubator. Prepared and labeled 1 L Transfer Pack as TIL Suspension and weighed 1 L.

Volume Reduction of G-REX500MCS. Transferred −4.5 L of culture supernatant from the G-REX500MCS to the 10L Labtainer.

Prepared flask for TIL harvest. After removal of the supernatant, closed all clamps to the red line.

Initiation of TIL Harvest. Vigorously tap flask and swirl media to release cells and ensure all cells have detached.

TIL Harvest. Released all clamps leading to the TIL suspension transfer pack.

Using the GatheRex transferred the cell suspension into the TIL Suspension transfer pack.

NOTE: Be sure to maintain the tilted edge until all cells and media are collected. Inspected membrane for adherent cells. Rinsed flask membrane. Closed clamps on G-REX500MCS. Heat sealed the Transfer Pack containing the TIL. Heat sealed the 10L Labtainer containing the supernatant. Recorded weight of Transfer Pack with cell suspension and calculate the volume suspension. Prepared transfer pack for sample removal. Removed testing samples from cell supernatant.

Sterility & BacT testing sampling. Removed a 1.0 mL sample from the 15 mL conical labeled BacT prepared. Removed Cell Count Samples. In the BSC, using separate 3 mL syringes for each sample, removed 4×1.0 mL cell count samples from “TIL Suspension” transfer pack.

Removed mycoplasma samples. Using a 3 mL syringe, removed 1.0 mL from TIL Suspension transfer pack and place into 15 mL conical labeled “Mycoplasma diluent” prepared.

Prepared transfer pack for seeding. Placed TIL in incubator. Removed cell suspension from the BSC and place in incubator until needed. Performed cell counts and calculations. Diluted cell count samples initially by adding 0.5 mL of cell suspension into 4.5 mL of AIM-V media prepared which gave a 1:10 dilution. Determined the average of viable cell concentration and viability of the cell counts performed. Determined upper and lower limit for counts. Note: dilution may be adjusted according based off the expected concentration of cells. Determined an average viable cell concentration from all four counts performed. Adjusted volume of TIL suspension. Calculated the adjusted volume of TIL suspension after removal of cell count samples. Total TIL cell volume minus 5.0 mL removed for testing.

Calculated total viable TIL cells. Calculated the total number of flasks to seed. NOTE: The maximum number of G-REX500MCS flasks to seed was five. If the calculated number of flasks to seed exceeded five, only five were seeded using the entire volume of cell suspension available.

Calculate number of flasks for subculture. Calculated the number of media bags required in addition to the bag prepared. Prepared one 10L bag of “CM4 Day 16 Media” for every two G-REX-500M flask needed as calculated. Proceeded to seed the first GREX-500M flask(s) while additional media is prepared and warmed. Prepared and warmed the calculated number of additional media bags determined. Filled G-REX500MCS. Prepared to pump media and pumped 4.5 L of media into G-REX500MCS. Heat Sealed. Repeated Fill. Incubated flask. Calculated the target volume of TIL suspension to add to the new G-REX500MCS flasks. If the calculated number of flasks exceeds five only five will be seeded, USING THE ENTIRE VOLUME OF CELL SUSPENSION. Prepared Flasks for Seeding. Removed G-REX500MCS from the incubator. Prepared G-REX500MCS for pumping. Closed all clamps on except large filter line. Removed TIL from incubator. Prepared cell suspension for seeding. Sterile welded (per Process Note 5.11) “TIL Suspension” transfer pack to pump inlet line. Placed TIL suspension bag on a scale.

Seeded flask with TIL Suspension. Pump the volume of TIL suspension calculated into flask. Heat sealed. Filled remaining flasks.

Monitored Incubator. Incubator parameters: Temperature LED Display: 37.0±2.0° C., CO₂ Percentage: 5.0±1.5% CO₂. Incubated Flasks.

Determined the time range to remove G-REX500MCS from incubator on Day 22.

Day 22 Wash Buffer Preparation. Prepared 10 L Labtainer Bag. In BSC, attach a 4” plasma transfer set to a 10L Labtainer Bag via luer connection. Prepared 10 L Labtainer Bag. Closed all clamps before transferring out of the BSC. NOTE: Prepared one 10L Labtainer Bag for every two G-REX500MCS flasks to be harvested. Pumped Plasmalyte into 3000 mL bag and removed air from 3000 mL Origen bag by reversing the pump and manipulating the position of the bag. Added human albumin 25% to 3000 mL Bag. Obtain a final volumeof 120.0 mL of human albumin 25%.

Prepared IL-2 diluent. Using a 10 mL syringe, removed 5.0 mL of LOVO Wash Buffer using the needleless injection port on the LOVO Wash Buffer bag. Dispensed LOVO wash buffer into a 50 mL conical tube.

CRF blank bag LOVO wash buffer aliquotted. Using a 100 mL syringe, drew up 70.0 mL of LOVO Wash Buffer from the needleless injection port.

Thawed one 1.1 mL of IL-2 (6×10⁶ IU/mL), until all ice has melted. Added 50 μL IL-2 stock (6×10⁶ IU/mL) to the 50 mL conical tube labeled “IL-2 Diluent.”

Cryopreservation preparation. Placed 5 cryo-cassettes at 2-8° C. to precondition them for final product cryopreservation.

Prepared cell count dilutions. In the BSC, added 4.5 mL of AIM-V Media that has been labelled with lot number and “For Cell Count Dilutions” to 4 separate 15 mL conical tubes. Prepared cell counts. Labeled 4 cryovials with vial number (1-4). Kept vials under BSC to be used.

Day 22 TIL Harvest. Monitored Incubator. Incubator Parameters Temperature LED display: 37±2.0° C., CO₂ Percentage: 5%+1.5%. Removed G-REX500MCS Flasks from Incubator. Prepared TIL collection bag and labeled. Sealed off extra connections. Volume Reduction: Transferred ˜4.5 L of supernatant from the G-REX500MCS to the Supernatant bag.

Prepared flask for TIL harvest. Initiated collection of TIL. Vigorously tap flask and swirl media to release cells. Ensure all cells have detached. Initiated collection of TIL. Released all clamps leading to the TIL suspension collection bag. TIL Harvest. Using the GatheRex, transferred the TIL suspension into the 3000 mL collection bag. Inspect membrane for adherent cells. Rinsed flask membrane. Closed clamps on G-Rex500MCS and ensured all clamps are closed. Transferred cell suspension into LOVO source bag. Closed all clamps. Heat Sealed. Removed 4×1.0 mL Cell Counts Samples

Performed Cell Counts. Performed cell counts and calculations utilizing NC-200 and Process Note 5.14. Diluted cell count samples initially by adding 0.5 mL of cell suspension into 4.5 mL of AIM-V media prepared. This gave a 1:10 dilution. Determined the average viability, viable cell concentration, and total nucleated cell concentration of the cell counts performed. Determined Upper and Lower Limit for counts. Determined the average viability, viable cell concentration, and total nucleated cell concentration of the cell counts performed. Weighed LOVO source bag. Calculated total viable TIL Cells. Calculated total nucleated cells.

Prepared Mycoplasma Diluent. Removed 10.0 mL from one supernatant bag via luer sample port and placed in a 15 mL conical.

Performed “TIL G-REX Harvest” protocol and determined the final product target volume. Loaded disposable kit. Removed filtrate bag. Entered Filtrate capacity. Placed Filtrate container on benchtop. Attached PlasmaLyte. Verified that the PlasmaLyte was attached and observed that the PlasmaLyte is moving. Attached Source container to tubing and verified Source container was attached. Confirmed PlasmaLyte was moving.

Final Formulation and Fill. Target volume/bag calculation. Calculated volume of CS-10 and LOVO wash buffer to formulate blank bag. Prepared CRF Blank.

Calculated the volume of IL-2 to add to the Final Product. Final IL-2 Concentration desired (IU/mL)—300 IU/mL. IL-2 working stock: 6×10⁴ IU/mL. Assembled connect apparatus. Sterile welded a 4S-4M60 to a CC2 cell connection. Sterile welded the CS750 cryobags to the harness prepared. Welded CS-10 bags to spikes of the 4S-4M60. Prepared TIL with IL-2. Using an appropriately sized syringe, removed amount of IL-2 determined from the “IL-2 6×10⁴” aliquot. Labeled forumlated TIL Bag. Added the formulated TIL bag to the apparatus. Added CS10. Switched Syringes. Drew ˜10 mL of air into a 100 mL syringe and replaced the 60 mL syringe on the apparatus. Added CS10. Prepared CS-750 bags. Dispensed cells.

Removed air from final product bags and take retain. Once the last final product bag was filled, closed all clamps. Drew 10 mL of air into anew 100 mL syringe and replace the syringe on the apparatus. Dispensed retain into a 50 mL conical tube and label tube as “Retain” and lot number. Repeat air removal step for each bag.

Prepared final product for cryopreservation, including visual inspection. Held the cryobags on cold pack or at 2-8° C. until cryopreservation.

Removed cell count sample. Using an appropriately sized pipette, remove 2.0 mL of retain and place in a 15 mL conical tube to be used for cell counts. Performed cell counts and calculations. NOTE: Diluted only one sample to appropriate dilution to verify dilution is sufficient. Diluted additional samples to appropriate dilution factor and proceed with counts. Determined the Average of Viable Cell Concentration and Viability of the cell counts performed. Determined Upper and Lower Limit for counts. NOTE: Dilution may be adjusted according based off the expected concentration of cells. Determined the Average of Viable Cell Concentration and Viability. Determined Upper and Lower Limit for counts. Calculated IFN-γ. Heat Sealed Final Product bags.

Labeled and collected samples per exemplary sample plan below.

TABLE 41 Sample plan. Sample Volume to Number of Add to Container Sample Containers Each Type *Mycoplasma 1 1.0 mL 15 mL Conical Endotoxin 2 1.0 mL 2 mL Cryovial Gram Stain 1 1.0 mL 2 mL Cryovial IFN-γ 1 1.0 mL 2 mL Cryovial Flow Cytometry 1 1.0 mL 2 mL Cryovial **Bac-T 2 1.0 mL Bac-T Bottle Sterility QC Retain 4 1.0 mL 2 mL Cryovial Satellite Vials 10 0.5 mL 2 mL Cryovial

Sterility and BacT testing. Testing Sampling. In the BSC, remove a 1.0 mL sample from the retained cell suspension collected using an appropriately sized syringe and inoculate the anaerobic bottle. Repeat the above for the aerobic bottle.

Final Product Cryopreservation. Prepared controlled rate freezer (CRF). Verified the CRF had been set up. Set up CRF probes. Placed final product and samples in CRF. Determined the time needed to reach 4° C.±1.5° C. and proceed with the CRF run. CRF completed and stored. Stopped the CRF after the completion of the run. Remove cassettes and vials from CRF. Transferred cassettes and vials to vapor phase LN2 for storage. Recorded storage location.

Post-Processing and analysis of final drug product included the following tests: (Day 22) Determination of CD3+ cells on Day 22 REP by flow cytometry; (Day 22) Gram staining method (GMP); (Day 22) Bacterial endotoxin test by Gel Clot LAL Assay (GMP); (Day 16) BacT Sterility Assay (GMP); (Day 16) Mycoplasma DNA detection by TD-PCR (GMP); Acceptable appearance attributes; (Day 22) BacT sterility assay (GMP)(Day 22); (Day 22) IFN-gamma assay. Other potency assay as described herein are also employed to analyze TIL products.

Example 8: An Exemplary Embodiment of the Gen 3 Expansion Platform Day 0

Prepared tumor wash media. Media warmed prior to start. Added 5 mL of gentamicin (50 mg/mL) to the 500 mL bottle of HBSS. Added 5 mL of Tumor Wash Media to a 15 mL conical to be used for OKT3 dilution. Prepared feeder cell bags. Sterilely transfered feeder cells to feeder cell bags and stored at 37° C. until use or freeze. Counted feeder cells if at 37° C. Thawed and then counted feeder cells if frozen.

Range for the feeder cell concentration is between 5×104 and 5×10⁶ cells/mL. Prepared four conical tubes with 4.5 mL of AIM-V. Added 0.5 mL of cell fraction for each cell count. If total viable feeder cell number was >1×10⁹ cells, proceeded to adjust the feeder cell concentration. Calculated the volume of feeder cells to remove from the first feeder cell bag in order to add 1×10⁹ cells to a second feeder cell bag.

Using the p1000 micropipette, transferred 900 μL of Tumor Wash Media to the OKT3 aliquot (100 μL). Using a syringe and sterile technique, drew up 0.6 mL of OKT3 and added into the second feeder cell bag. Adjusted media volume to a total volume of 2L. Transferred the second feeder cells bag to the incubator.

OKT3 formulation details: OKT3 may be aliquoted and frozen in original stock concentration from the vial (1 mg/mL) in 100 μL aliquots. ˜10× aliquots per 1 mL vial. Stored at −80 C. Day 0: 15 μg/flask, i.e. 30 ng/mL in 500 mL—60 μL max ˜ 1 aliquot.

Added 5 mL of Tumor Wash Medium into all wells of the 6-well plate labelled Excess Tumor Pieces. Kept the Tumor Wash Medium available for further use in keeping the tumor hydrated during dissection. Added 50 mL of Tumor Wash Medium to each 100 mm petri dish.

Dissected the tumor into 27 mm³ fragments (3×3×3 mm), using the ruler under the Dissection dish lid as a reference. Dissected intermediate fragment until 60 fragments were reached. Counted total number of final fragments and prepared G-REX-10OMCS flasks according to the number of final fragments generated (generally 60 fragments per flask).

Retained favorable tissue fragments in the conical tubes labeled as Fragments Tube 1 through Fragments Tube 4. Calculated the number of G-REX-100MCS flasks to seed with feeder cell suspension according to the number of fragments tubes originated.

Removed feeder cells bag from the incubator and seed the G-REX-100MCS. Label as DO (Day 0).

Tumor fragment addition to culture in G-REX-100 MCS. Under sterile conditions, unscrewed the cap of the G-REX-100MCS labelled Tumor Fragments Culture (DO) 1 and the 50 mL conical tube labelled Fragments Tube. Swirled the opened Fragments Tube 1 and, at the same time, slightly lifted the cap of the G-REX100MCS. Added the medium with the fragments to the G-REX100MCS while being swirled. Recorded the number of fragments transferred into the G-REX100MCS.

Once the fragments were located at the bottom of the GREX flask, drew 7 mL of media and created seven 1 mL aliquots—5 mL for extended characterization and 2 mL for sterility samples. Stored the 5 aliquots (final fragment culture supernatant) for extended characterization at −20° C. until needed.

Inoculated one anaerobic BacT/Alert bottle and one aerobic BacT/Alert bottle each with 1 mL of final fragment culture supernatant. Repeat for each flask sampled.

AT DAY 7-8

Prepared feeder cell bags. Thawed feeder bags for 3-5 minutes in 37° C. water bath when frozen. Counted feeder cells if frozen. Range for the feeder cell concentration is between 5×104 and 5×10⁶ cells/mL. Prepared four conical tubes with 4.5 mL of AIM-V.

Added 0.5 mL of cell fraction for each cell count into a new cryovial tube. Mixed the samples well and proceeded with the cell count.

If total viable feeder cell number was >2×10⁹ cells, proceeded to the next step to adjust the feeder cell concentration. Calculated the volume of feeder cells to remove from the first feeder cell bag in order to add 2×10⁸ cells to the second feeder cell bag.

Using the p1000 micropipette, transfer 900 μL of HBSS to a 100 μL OKT3 aliquot. Mix by pipetting up and down 3 times. Prepared two aliquots.

OKT3 formulation details: OKT3 may be aliquoted and frozen in original stock concentration from the vial (1 mg/mL) in 100 μL aliquots. ˜10× aliquots per 1 mL vial.

Stored at −80 C. Day7/8: 30 μg/flask, i.e. 60 ng/mL in 500 mL—120 μl max ˜ 2 aliquots.

Using a syringe and sterile technique, drew up 0.6 mL of OKT3 and added into the feeder cell bag, ensuring all added. Adjusted media volume to a total volume of 2 L. Repeated with second OKT3 aliquot and added to the feeder cell bag. Transferred the second feeder cells bag to the incubator.

Preparation of G-REX100MCS flask with feeder cell suspension. Recorded the number of G-REX-100MCS flasks to process according to the number of G-REX flasks generated on Day 0. Removed G-REX flask from incubator and removed second feeder cells bag from incubator.

Removal of supernatant prior to feeder cell suspension addition. Connected one 10 mL syringe to the G-REX100 flask and drew up 5 mL of media. Created five 1 mL aliquots—5 mL for extended characterization and storeed the 5 aliquots (final fragment culture supernatant) for extended characterization at −20° C. until requested by sponsor. Labeled and repeated for each G-REX100 flask.

5-20×1 mL samples for characterization, dependeding on number of flasks:

-   -   5 mL=lflask     -   10 mL=2 flasks     -   15 mL=3 flasks     -   20 mL=4 flasks

Continued seeding feeder cells into the G-REX100 MCS and repeated for each G-REX100 MCS flask. Using sterile transfer methods, gravity transferred 500 mL of the second feeder cells bag by weight (assume 1 g=1 mL) into each G-REX-100MCS flask and recoreded amount. Labeled as Day 7 culture and repeated for each G-REX100 flask. Transferred G-REX-100MCS flasks to the incubator.

Day 10⁻¹¹

Removed the first G-REX-100MCS flask and using sterile conditions removed 7 mL of pre-process culture supernatant using a 10 mL syringe. Created seven 1 mL aliquots

-   -   5 mL for extended characterization and 2 mL for sterility         samples.

Mixed the flask carefully and using a new 10 mL syringe remove 10 mL supernatant and transfer to a 15 mL tube labelled as D10/11 mycoplasma supernatant.

Mixed the flask carefully and using a new syringe removed the volume below according to how many flasks were to be processed:

-   -   1 flask=40 mL     -   2 flask=20 mL/flask     -   3 flask=13.3 mL/flask     -   4 flask=10 mL/flask

A total of 40 mL should be pulled from all flasks and pooled in a 50 mL conical tube labeled ‘Day 10/11 QC Sample’ and stored in the incubator until needed. Performed a cell count and allocated the cells.

Stored the 5 aliquots (pre-process culture supernatant) for extended characterization at <−20° C. until needed. Inoculated one anaerobic BacT/Alert bottle and one aerobic BacT/Alert bottle each with 1 mL of pre-process culture supernatant.

Continued with cell suspension transferred to the G-REX-500MCS and repeated for each G-REX-100MCS. Using sterile conditions, transferred the contents of each G-REX-100MCS into a G-REX-500MCS, monitoring about 100 mL of fluid transfer at a time. Stopped transfer when the volume of the G-REX-100MCS was reduced to 500 mL.

During transfer step, used 10 mL syringe and drew 10 mL of cell suspension into the syringe from the G-REX-100MCS. Followed the instructions according to the number of flasks in culture. If only 1 flask: Removed 20 mL total using two syringes. If 2 flasks: removed 10 mL per flask. If 3 flasks: removed 7 mL per flask. If 4 flasks: removed 5 mL per flask. Transferred the cell suspension to one common 50 mL conical tube. Keep in the incubator until the cell count step and QC sample. Total number of cells needed for QC was ˜ 20e6 cells: 4×0.5 mL cell counts (cell counts were undiluted first).

The quantities of cells needed for assays are as follows:

-   -   1. 10×10⁶ cells minimum for potency assays, such as those         described herein, or for an IFN-γ or granzyme B assay     -   2. 1×10⁶ cells for mycoplasma     -   3. 5×10⁶ cells for flow cytometry for CD3+/CD45±

Transferred the G-REX-500MCS flasks to the incubator.

Prepared QC Samples. At least 15×10⁸ cells were needed for the assays in this embodiment. Assays included: Cell count and viability; Mycoplasma (1×10⁶ cells/average viable concentration) flow (5×10⁶ cells/average viable concentration) and IFN-g assay (5×10⁶ cells−1×10⁶ cells; 8-10×10⁶ cells are required for the IFN-γ assay.

Calculated the volume of cells fraction for cryopreservation at 10×10⁶ cells/mL and calculated the number of vials to prepare.

Day 16-17

Wash Buffer preparation (1% HSA Plasmalyte A). Transferred HSA and Plasmalyte to 5 L bag to make LOVO wash buffer. Using sterile conditions, transferred a total volume of 125 mL of 25% HSA to the 5L bag. Removed and transferred 10 mL or 40 mL of wash buffer in the ‘IL-2 6×10⁴ IU/mL’ tube (10 mL if IL-2 was prepared in advance or 40 mL if IL-2 was prepared fresh).

Calculated volume of reconstituted IL-2 to add to Plasmalyte+1% HSA: volume of reconstituted IL-2=(Final concentration of IL-2×Final volume)/specific activity of the IL-2 (based on standard assay). The Final Concentration of IL-2 was 6×10⁴ IU/mL. The final volume was 40 mL.

Removed calculated initial volume of IL-2 needed of reconstituted IL-2 and transfer to the ‘IL-2 6×10⁴ IU/mL’ tube. Added 100 μL of IL-2 6×10⁶ IU/mL from the aliquot prepared in advance to the tube labelled ‘IL-2 6×10⁴ IU/mL’ containing 10 mL of LOVO wash buffer.

Removed about 4500 mL of supernatant from the G-REX-500MCS flasks. Swirled the remaining supernatant and transferred cells to the Cell Collection Pool bag. Repeated with all G-REX-500MCS flasks.

Removed 60 mL of supernatant and add to supernatant tubes for quality control assays, including mycoplasma detection. Stored at +2-8° C.

Cell collection. Counted cells. Prepare four 15 mL conicals with 4.5 mL of AIM-V. These may be prepared in advance. Range=is between 5×104 and 5×10⁶ cells/mL. (1:10 dilution was recommended). For 1:10 dilution, to 4500 μL of AIM V prepared previously, add 500 μL of CF. Recorded dilution factor.

CalculatedtheTC(TotalCells)pre − LOVO(live + dead) = AverageTotalCellConcentration(TCconcpreLOVO)(live + dead)XVolumeofSourcebagCalculatedtheTVC(TotalViableCells)pre − LOVO(live) = AverageTotalViableCellConcentration(TVCpreLOVO)(live)XVolumeofLOVOSourceBag

When the total cell (TC) number was >5×10⁹, remove 5×10⁸ cells to be cryopreserved as MDA retention samples. 5×10⁸÷avg TC concentration (step 14.44)=volume to remove.

When the total cell (TC) number was <5×10⁹, remove 4×10⁶ cells to be cryopreserved as MDA retention samples. 4×10⁶+avg TC concentration=volume to remove.

When the total cell number was determined, the number of cells to remove should allow retention of 150×10⁹ viable cells. Confirm TVC pre-LOVO 5×10⁸ or 4×10⁶ or not applicable. Calculated the volume of cells to remove.

Calculated the remaining Total Cells Remaining in Bag. Calculated the TC (Total Cells) pre-LOVO. [Avg. Total cell concentration×Remaining Volume=TC pre-LOVO Remaining]

According to the total number of cells remaining, the corresponding process in Table 42 is selected.

TABLE 42 Total number of cells. Total cells: Retentate (mL) 0 < Total cells ≤31 × 10⁹ 115  31 × 10⁹ < Total cells ≤71 × 10⁹ 165  71 × 10⁹ < Total Cells ≤110 × 10⁹ 215 110 × 10⁹ < Total Cells ≤115 × 10⁹ 265

Chose the volume of IL-2 to add corresponding to the used process. Volume calculated as: Retentate Volume×2×300 IU/mL=IU of IL-2 required. IU of IL-2 required/6×10⁴IU/mL=Volume of IL-2 to add Post LOVO bag. Recorded all volumes added. Obtained samples in cryovial for further analyses.

Mixed the cell product well. Sealed all bags for further processing, included cryopreservation when applicable.

Performed endotoxin, IFN-γ, sterility, and other assays as needed on cryovial samples obtained.

Example 9: Gen 2 and Gen 3 Exemplary Processes

This example demonstrates the Gen 2 and Gen 3 processes. Process Gen 2 and Gen 3 TILs are generally composed of autologous TIL derived from an individual patient through surgical resection of a tumor and then expanded ex vivo. The priming first expansion step of the Gen 3 process was a cell culture in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and the monoclonal antibody OKT3, which targets the T-cell co-receptor CD3 on a scaffold of irradiated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

The manufacture of Gen 2 TIL products consists of two phases: 1) pre-Rapid Expansion (Pre-REP) and 2) Rapid Expansion Protocol (REP). During the Pre-REP resected tumors were cut up into <50 fragments 2-3 mm in each dimension which were cultured with serum-containing culture medium (RPMI 1640 media containing 10% HuSAB supplemented) and 6,000 IU/mL of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) for a period of 11 days. On day 11 TIL were harvested and introduced into the large-scale secondary REP expansion. The REP consists of activation of <200×10⁶ of the viable cells from pre-REP in a co-culture of 5×10⁹ irradiated allogeneic PBMCs feeder cells loaded with 150 pg of monoclonal anti-CD3 antibody (OKT3) in a 5 L volume of CM2 supplemented with 3000 IU/mL of rhIL-2 for 5 days. On day 16 the culture is volume reduced 90% and the cell fraction is split into multiple G-REX-500 flasks at >1×10⁹ viable lymphocytes/flask and QS to 5L with CM4. TIL are incubated an additional 6 days. The REP is harvested on day 22, washed, formulated, and cryo-preserved prior to shipping at −150° C. to the clinical site for infusion.

The manufacture of Gen 3 TIL products consists of three phases: 1) Priming First Expansion Protocol, 2) Rapid Second Expansion Protocol (also referred to as rapid expansion phase or REP), and 3) Subculture Split. To effect the Priming First Expansion TIL propagation, resected tumor was cut up into <120 fragments 2-3 mm in each dimension. On day 0 of the Priming First Expansion, a feeder layer of approximately 2.5×10⁸ allogeneic irradiated PBMCs feeder cells loaded with OKT-3 was established on a surface area of approximately 100 cm² in each of 3 100 MCS vessels. The tumor fragments were distributed among and cultured in the 3 100 MCS vessels each with 500 mL serum-containing CM1 culture medium and 6,000 IU/mL of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and 15 ug OKT-3 for a period of 7 days. On day 7, REP was initiated by incorporating an additional feeder cell layer of approximately 5×10⁸ allogeneic irradiated PBMCs feeder cells loaded with OKT-3 into the tumor fragmented culture phase in each of the three 100 MCS vessels and culturing with 500 mL CM2 culture medium and 6,000 IU/mL IL-2 and 30 0g OKT-3. The REP initiation was enhanced by activating the entire Priming First Expansion culture in the same vessel using closed system fluid transfer of 20KT3 loaded feeder cells into the 100MC vessel. For Gen 3, the TIL scale up or split involved process steps where the whole cell culture was scaled to a larger vessel through closed system fluid transfer and was transferred (from 100 M flask to a 500 M flask) and additional 4 L of CM4 media was added. The REP cells were harvested on day 16, washed, formulated, and cryo-preserved prior to shipping at −150° C. to the clinical site for infusion.

Overall, the Gen 3 process is a shorter, more scalable, and easily modifiable expansion platform that will accommodate to fit robust manufacturing and process comparability.

TABLE 51 Comparison of Exemplary Gen 2 and Exemplary Gen 3 manufacturing process. Step Process (Gen 2) Process (Gen 3) Pre REP- Up to 50 fragments, 1 G-REX- Whole tumor up to 120 fragments divided day 0 100MCS, 11 days evenly among up to 3 flasks. 1 flask: 1-60 In 1 L of CM1 media + fragments IL-2 (6000 IU/mL) 2 flasks: 61-89 fragments 3 flasks 90-120 fragments 7 days in 500 mL of CM1 media + IL-2 (6000 IU/mL) 2.5 × 10⁸ feeder cells/flask 15 ug OKT-3/flask REP Direct to REP, Day 11, Direct to REP, Day 7, all cells, same G- Initiation <200 × 10⁶ TIL REX-100MCS (1)G-REX-500MCS in 5L CM2 Add 500 CM2 media media IL-2 (6000 IU/mL) IL-2 (3000 IU/mL) 5 × 10⁸ feeder cells/flask 5 × 10⁹ feeder cells 30 ug OKT-3/flask 150 ug OKT-3 TIL Volume reduce and split cell fraction Each G-REX-100MCS(1L) transfers to 1 propagation in up to 5 G-REX-500MCS G-REX-500MCS or Scale up 4.5 L CM4 media + IL-2 (3000 Add 4 L CM4 media + IL-2 (3000 IU/mL) IU/mL) Scale up on day 9 to 11 ≥1 × 10⁹ TVC/flask Split day 16 Harvest Harvest day 22, Harvest day 16 LOVO-automated cell washer LOVO- automated cell washer Final Cryopreserved Product Cryopreserved product formulation 300 IU/mL IL2- CS10 in LN₂, 300 IU/mL IL-2-CS10 in LN₂, multiple aliquots multiple aliquots Process 22 days 16 days time

On day 0, for both processes, the tumor was washed 3 times and the fragments were randomized and divided into two pools; one pool per process. For the Gen 2 Process, the fragments were transferred to one-GREX 100MCS flask with 1 L of CM1 media containing 6,000 IU/mL rhIL-2. For the Gen 3 Process, fragments were transferred to one G-REX-100MCS flask with 500 mL of CM1 containing 6,000 IU/mL rhIL-2, 15 ug OKT-3 and 2.5×10⁸ feeder cells. Seeding of TIL for Rep initiation day occurred on different days according to each process. For the Gen 2 Process, in which the G-REX-100MCS flask was 90% volume reduced, collected cell suspension was transferred to a new G-REX-500MCS to start REP initiation on day 11 in CM2 media containing IL-2 (3000 IU/mL), plus 5×10⁹ feeder cells and OKT-3 (30 ng/mL). Cells were expanded and split on day 16 into multiple G-REX-500 MCS flasks with CM4 media with IL-2 (3000 IU/mL) per protocol. The culture was then harvested and cryopreserved on day 22 per protocol. For the Gen 3 process, the REP initiation occurred on day 7, in which the same G-REX-100MCS used for REP initiation. Briefly, 500 mL of CM2 media containing IL-2 (6000 IU/mL) and 5×10⁸ feeder cells with 30 ug OKT-3 was added to each flask. On day 9-11 the culture was scaled up. The entire volume of the G-REX100M (1 L) was transferred to a G-REX-500MCS and 4L of CM4 containing IL-2 (3000 IU/mL) was added. Flasks were incubated 5 days. Cultures were harvested and cryopreserved on Day 16.

Three different tumors were included in the comparison, two lung tumors (L4054 and L4055) and one melanoma tumor (M1085T).

CM1 (culture media 1), CM2 (culture media 2), and CM4 (culture media 4) media were prepared in advance and held at 4° C. for L4054 and L4055. CM1 and CM2 media were prepared without filtration to compare cell growth with and without filtration of media.

Media was warmed at 37° C. up to 24 hours in advance for L4055 tumor on REP initiation and scale-up.

Results. Gen 3 results fell within 30% of Gen 2 for total viable cells achieved. Gen 3 final product exhibited higher production of IFN-γ after restimulation. Gen 3 final product exhibited increased clonal diversity as measured by total unique CDR3 sequences present. Gen 3 final product exhibited longer mean telomere length.

Pre-REP and REP expansion on Gen 2 and Gen 3 processes followed the procedures described above. For each tumor, the two pools contained equal number of fragments. Due to the small size of tumors, the maximum number of fragments per flask was not achieved. Total pre-REP cells (TVC) were harvested and counted at day 11 for the Gen 2 process and at day 7 for the Gen 3 process. To compare the two pre-REP arms, the cell count was divided over the number of fragments provided in the culture in order to calculate an average of viable cells per fragment. As indicated in Table 52 below, the Gen 2 process consistently grew more cells per fragment compared to the Gen 3 Process. An extrapolated calculation of the number of TVC expected for Gen 3 process at day 11, which was calculated dividing the pre-REP TVC by 7 and then multiply by 11.

TABLE 52 Pre-REP cell counts Tumor ID L4054 L4055* M1085T Process Gen 2 Gen 3 Gen 2 Gen 3 Gen 2 Gen 3 pre-REP TVC 1.42E+08 4.32E+07 2.68E+07 1.38E+07 1.23E+07 3.50E+06 Number of fragments 21 21 24 24 16 16 Average TVC per fragment 6.65E+06 2.06E+06 1.12E+06 5.75E+05 7.66E+05 2.18E+05 at pre-REP Gen 3 extrapolated value at N/A 6.79E+07 N/A 2.17E+07 N/A 5.49E+06 pre REP day 11 *L4055, unfiltered media.

For the Gen 2 and Gen 3 processes, TVC was counted per process condition and percent viable cells was generated for each day of the process. On harvest, day 22 (Gen 2) and day 16 (Gen 3) cells were collected and the TVC count was established. The TVC was then divided by the number of fragments provided on day 0, to calculate an average of viable cells per fragment. Fold expansion was calculated by dividing harvest TVC by over the REP Attorney Docket No. 116983-5-110-US initiation TVC. As exhibited in Table 53, comparing Gen 2 and the Gen 3, fold expansions were similar for L4054; in the case ofL4055, the fold expansion was higher for the Gen 2 process. Specifically, in this case, the media was warmed up 24 in advance of REP initiation day. A higher fold expansion was also observed in Gen 3 for M1085T. An extrapolated calculation of the number of TVC expected for Gen 3 process at day 22, which was calculated dividing the REP TVC by 16 and then multiply by 22.

TABLE 53 Total viable cell count and fold expansion on TIL final product. Tumor ID L4054 L4055 M1085T Process Gen 2 Gen 3 Gen 2 Gen 3 Gen 2 Gen 3 # Fragments 21 21 24 24 16 16 TVC/fragment (at 3.18E+09 8.77E+08 2.30E+09 3.65E+08 7.09E+08 4.80E+08 Harvest) REP initiation 1.42E+08 4.32E+07 2.68E+07 1.38E+07 1.23E+07 3.50E+06 Scale up 3.36E+09 9.35E+08 3.49E+09 8.44E+08 1.99E+09 3.25E+08 Harvest 6.67E+10 1.84E+10 5.52E+10 8.76E+09 1.13E+10 7.68E+09 Fold Expansion Harvest/ 468.4 425.9 2056.8 634.6 925.0 2197.2 REP initiation Gen 3 extrapolated value at N/A 2.53E+10 N/A 1.20E+10 N/A 1.06E+10 REP harvest day 22 *L4055, unfiltered media.

Table 54: % oViability of TIL final product: Upon harvest, the final TIL REP products were compared against release criteria for 00 viability. All of the conditions for the Gen 2 and Gen 3 processes surpassed the 70% viability criterion and were comparable across processes and tumors.

Upon harvest, the final TIL REP products were compared against release criteria for 00 viability. All of the conditions for the Gen 2 and Gen 3 processes surpassed the 70% viability criterion and were comparable across processes and tumors.

TABLE 54 % Viability of REP (TIL Final Product) Tumor ID L4054 L4055 M1085T Process Gen 2 Gen 3 Gen 2 Gen 3 Gen 2 Gen 3 REP initiation 98.23% 97.97% 97.43% 92.03% 81.85% 68.27% Scale up 94.00% 93.57% 90.50% 95.93% 78.55% 71.15% Harvest 87.95% 89.85% 87.50% 86.70% 86.10% 87.45%

Due to the number of fragments per flask below the maximum required number, an estimated cell count at harvest day was calculated for each tumor. The estimation was based on the expectation that clinical tumors were large enough to seed 2 or 3 flasks on day 0.

TABLE 55 Extrapolated estimate cell count calculation to full scale 2 and 3 flask on Gen 3 Process. Tumor ID L4054 L4055 M1085T Gen 3 Process 2 flasks 3 Flasks 2 flasks 3 Flasks 2 flasks 3 Flasks Estimate Harvest 3.68E+10 5.52E+10 1.75E+10 2.63E+10 1.54E+10 2.30E+10

Immunophenotyping—phenotypic marker comparisons on TIL final product. Three tumors L4054, L4055, and M1085T underwent TIL expansion in both the Gen 2 and Gen 3 processes. Upon harvest, the REP TIL final products were subjected to flow cytometry analysis to test purity, differentiation, and memory markers. For all the conditions the percentage of TCR a/b+ cells was over 90%.

TIL harvested from the Gen 3 process showed a higher expression of CD8 and CD28 compared to TIL harvested from the Gen 2 process. The Gen 2 process showed a higher percentage of CD4+.

TIL harvested from the Gen 3 process showed a higher expression on central memory compartments compared to TIL from the Gen 2 process.

Activation and exhaustion markers were analyzed in TIL from two, tumors L4054 and L4055 to compare the final TIL product by from the Gen 2 and Gen 3 TIL expansion processes. Activation and exhaustion markers were comparable between the Gen 2 and Gen 3 processes.

Interferon gamma secretion upon restimulation. On harvest day, day 22 for Gen 2 and day 16 for Gen 3, TIL underwent an overnight restimulation with coated anti-CD3 plates for L4054 and L4055. The restimulation on M1085T was performed using anti-CD3, CD28, and CD137 beads. Supernatant was collected after 24 hours of the restimulation in all conditions and the supernatant was frozen. IFNγ analysis by ELISA was assessed on the supernatant from both processes at the same time using the same ELISA plate. Higher production of IFNγ from the Gen 3 process was observed in the three tumors analyzed.

Measurement of IL-2 levels in culture media. To compare the IL-2 consumption between Gen 2 and Gen 3 process, cell supernatant was collected on REP initiation, scale up, and harvest day, on tumor L4054 and L4055. The quantity of IL-2 in cell culture supernatant was measured by Quantitate ELISA Kit from R&D. The general trend indicates that the IL-2 concentration remains higher in the Gen 3 process when compared to the Gen 2 process. This is likely due to the higher concentration of IL-2 on REP initiation (6000 IU/mL) for Gen 3 coupled with the carryover of the media throughout the process.

Metabolic substrate and metabolite analysis. The levels of metabolic substrates such as D-glucose and L-glutamine were measured as surrogates of overall media consumption. Their reciprocal metabolites, such lactic acid and ammonia, were measured.

Glucose is a simple sugar in media that is utilized by mitochondria to produce energy in the form of ATP. When glucose is oxidized, lactic acid is produced (lactate is an ester of lactic acid). Lactate is strongly produced during the cells exponential growth phase. High levels of lactate have a negative impact on cell culture processes.

Spent media for L4054 and L4055 was collected at REP initiation, scale up, and harvest days for both process Gen 2 and Gen 3. The spent media collection was for Gen 2 on Day 11, day 16 and day 22; for Gen 3 was on day 7, day 11 and day 16. Supernatant was analyzed on a CEDEX Bio-analyzer for concentrations of glucose, lactic acid, glutamine, GlutaMax™, and ammonia.

L-glutamine is an unstable essential amino acid required in cell culture media formulations. Glutamine contains an amine, and this amide structural group can transport and deliver nitrogen to cells. When L-glutamine oxidizes, a toxic ammonia by-product is produced by the cell. To counteract the degradation of L-glutamine the media for the Gen 2 and Gen 3 processes was supplemented with GlutaMax™, which is more stable in aqueous solutions and does not spontaneously degrade. In the two tumor lines, the Gen 3 arm showed a decrease in L-glutamine and GlutaMax™ during the process and an increase in ammonia throughout the REP. In the Gen 2 arm a constant concentration of L-glutamine and GlutaMax™, and a slight increase in the ammonia production was observed. The Gen 2 and Gen 3 processes were comparable at harvest day for ammonia and showed a slight difference in L-glutamine degradation.

Telomere repeats by Flow-FISH. Flow-FISH technology was used to measure the average length of the telomere repeat on L4054 and L4055 under Gen 2 and Gen 3 process. The determination of a relative telomere length (RTL) was calculated using Telomere PNA kit/FITC for flow cytometry analysis from DAKO. Gen 3 showed comparable telomere length to Gen 2.

CD3 Analysis. To determine the clonal diversity of the cell products generated in each process, TIL final product harvested for L4054 and L4055, were sampled and assayed for clonal diversity analysis through sequencing of the CDR3 portion of the T-cell receptors.

Table 56 shows a comparison between Gen 2 and Gen 3 of percentage shared unique CDR3 sequences on L4054 on TIL harvested cell product. 199 sequences are shared between Gen 3 and Gen 2 final product, corresponding to 97.07% of top 80% of unique CDR3 sequences from Gen 2 shared with Gen 3 final product.

TABLE 56 Comparison of shared uCDR3 sequences between Gen 2 and Gen 3 processes on L4054. # uCDR3 All uCDR3's Top 80% uCDR3's (% Overlap) Gen 2 Gen 3 Gen 2 Gen 3 Gen 2-L4054 8915  4355 205 199 (48.85%) (97.07%) Gen 3-L4054 — 18130 — 223

Table 57 shows a comparison between Gen 2 and Gen 3 of percentage shared unique CDR3 sequences on L4055 on TIL harvested cell product. 1833 sequences are shared between Gen 3 and Gen 2 final product, corresponding to 99.45% of top 80% of unique CDR3 sequences from Gen 2 shared with Gen 3 final product.

TABLE 57 Comparison of shared uCDR3 sequences between Gen 2 and Gen 3 processes on L4055. # uCDR3 All uCDR3's Top 80% uCDR3's (% Overlap) Gen 2 Gen 3 Gen 2 Gen 3 Gen 2-L4055 12996  6599 1843 1833 (50.77%) (99.45%) Gen 3-L4055 — 27246 — 2616

CM1 and CM2 media was prepared in advanced without filtration and held at 4 degree C. until use for tumor L4055 to use on Gen 2 and Gen 3 process.

Media was warmed up at 37 degree C. for 24 hours in advance for tumor L4055 on REP initiation day for Gen 2 and Gen 3 process.

LDH was not measured in the supernatants collected on the processes.

M1085T TIL cell count was executed with K2 cellometer cell counter.

On tumor M1085T, samples were not available such as supernatant for metabolic analysis, TIL product for activation and exhaustion markers analysis, telomere length and CD3—TCR vb Analysis.

Conclusions. This example compares 3 independent donor tumors tissue in terms of functional quality attributes, plus extended phenotypic characterization and media consumption among Gen 2 and Gen 3 processes.

Gen 2 and Gen 3 pre-REP and REP expansion comparison were evaluated in terms of total viable cells generated and viability of the total nucleated cell population. TVC cell doses at harvest day was not comparable between Gen 2 (22 days) and Gen 3 (16 days).

Gen 3 cell doses were lower than Gen 2 at around 40% of total viable cells collected at harvest.

An extrapolated cell number was calculated for Gen 3 process assuming the pre-REP harvest occurred at day 11 instead day 7 and REP Harvest at Day 22 instead day 16. In both cases, Gen 3 shows a closer number on TVC compared to the Gen 2 process, indicating that the early activation enhanced TIL growth.

In the case of extrapolated value for extra flasks (2 or 3) on Gen 3 process assuming a bigger size of tumor processed, and reaching the maximum number of fragments required per process as described. It was observed that a similar dose can be reachable on TVC at Day 16 Harvest for Gen 3 process compared to Gen 2 process at Day 22. This observation is important and indicates an early activation of the culture reduced TIL processing time.

Gen 2 and Gen 3 pre-REP and REP expansion comparison were evaluated in terms of total viable cells generated and viability of the total nucleated cell population. TVC cell doses at harvest day was not comparable between Gen 2 (22 days) and Gen 3 (16 days). Gen 3 cell doses were lower than Gen 2 at around 40% of total viable cells collected at harvest.

In terms of phenotypic characterization, a higher CD⁸+ and CD28+ expression was observed on three tumors on Gen 3 process compared to Gen 2 process.

Gen 3 process showed slightly higher central memory compartments compared to Gen 2 process.

Gen 2 and Gen 3 process showed comparable activation and exhaustion markers, despite the shorter duration of the Gen 3 process.

IFN gamma (IFNγ) production was 3 times higher on Gen 3 final product compared to Gen 2 in the three tumors analyzed. This data indicates the Gen 3 process generated a highly functional and more potent TIL product as compared to the Gen 2 process, possibly due to the higher expression of CD8 and CD28 expression on Gen 3. Phenotypic characterization suggested positive trends in Gen 3 toward CD⁸+, CD28+ expression on three tumors compared to Gen 2 process.

Telomere length on TIL final product between Gen 2 and Gen 3 were comparable.

Glucose and Lactate levels were comparable between Gen 2 and Gen 3 final product, suggesting the levels of nutrients on the media of Gen 3 process were not affected due to the non-execution of volume reduction removal in each day of the process and less volume media overall in the process, compared to Gen 2.

Overall Gen 3 process showed a reduction almost two times of the processing time compared to Gen 2 process, which would yield a substantial reduction on the cost of goods (COGs) for TIL product expanded by the Gen 3 process.

IL-2 consumption indicates a general trend of IL-2 consumption on Gen 2 process, and in Gen 3 process IL-2 was higher due to the non-removal of the old media.

The Gen 3 process showed a higher clonal diversity measured by CDR3 TCRab sequence analysis.

The addition of feeders and OKT-3 on day 0 of the pre-REP allowed an early activation of TIL and allowed for TIL growth using the Gen 3 process.

Table 58 describes various embodiments and outcomes for the Gen 3 process as compared to the current Gen 2 process.

TABLE 58 Exemplary Gen 3 process features. Step Process Gen 2 embodiment Process Gen 3 embodiment Pre REP- ≤50 fragments ≤240 fragments day 0 1X G-REX-100MCS  ≤60 fragments/flask 1 L media  ≤4 flasks IL-2 (6000 IU/mL)  ≤2 L media (500 mL/flask) 11 days IL-2 (6000 IU/mL) 2.5 × 10⁸ feeder cells/flask 15 ug OKT3/flask REP Fresh TIL direct to REP Fresh TIL direct to REP Initiation Day 11 Day 7 ≤200e⁶ viable cells Activate entire culture 5 × 10⁹ feeder cells   5 × 10⁸ feeder cells G-REX-500MCS 30 μg OKT3/flask 5 L CM2 media + IL-2 (3000 IU/mL) G-REX-100MCS 150 μg OKT3 500 mL media + IL-2 (6000 IU/mL) TIL Sub- ≤5 G-REX-500MCS ≤4 G-REX-500MCS culture or ≤1 × 10 viable cells/flask Scale up entire culture Scale up 5 L/flask 4 L/flask Day 16 Day 10-11 Harvest Harvest Day 22, Harvest Day 16 LOVO-automated cell washer LOVO-automated cell washer 2 wash cycles 5 wash cycles Final Cryopreserved Product Cryopreserved product formulation 300 IU/mL IL2- CS10 in LN₂, 300 IU/mL IL-2-CS10 in LN₂, multiple aliquots multiple aliquots Process time 22 days 16 days

Example 10: An Exemplary Gen 3 Process (Also Referred to as Gen 3.1)

This example describes further studies regarding the “Comparability between the Gen 2 and Gen 3 processes for TIL expansion”. The Gen 3 process was modified to include an activation step early in the process with the goal of increasing the final total viable cell (TVC) output, while maintaining the phenotypic and functional profiles. As described below, a Gen 3 embodiment was modified as a further embodiment and is referred to herein in this example as Gen 3.1.

In some embodiments, the Gen 3.1 TIL manufacturing process has four operator interventions:

-   -   1. Tumor Fragment Isolation and Activation: On Day 0 of the         process the tumor was dissected and the final fragments         generated awe-3×3 mm each (up to 240 fragments total) and         cultured in 1-4 G-REX100MCS flasks. Each flask contained up to         60 fragments, 500 mL of CM1 or DM1 media, and supplemented with         6,000 IU rhIL-2, 15 μg OKT3, and 2.5×10⁸ irradiated allogeneic         mononuclear cells. The culture was incubated at 37° C. for 6-8         days.     -   2. TIL Culture Reactivation: On Day 7-8 the culture was         supplemented through slow addition of CM2 or DM1 media         supplemented with 6,000 IU rhIL-2, 30 μg OKT3, and 5×10⁸         irradiated allogeneic mononuclear cells in both cases. Care was         taken to not disturb the existing cells at the bottom of the         flask. The culture was incubated at 37° C. for 3-4 days.     -   3. Culture Scale Up: Occurs on day 10⁻¹¹. During the culture         scale-up, the entire contents of the G-REX100MCS was transferred         to a G-REX500MCS flask containing 4L of CM4 or DM2 supplemented         with 3,000 IU/mL of IL-2 in both cases. Flasks were incubated at         37° C. for 5-6 days until harvest.     -   4. Harvest/Wash/Formulate: On day 16-17 the flasks are volume         reduced and pooled. Cells were concentrated and washed with         PlasmaLyte A pH 7.4 containing 1% HSA. The washed cell         suspension was formulated at a 1:1 ratio with CryoStor10 and         supplemented with rhIL-2 to a final concentration of 300 IU/mL.

The DP was cryopreserved with a controlled rate freeze and stored in vapor phase liquid nitrogen. *Complete Standard TIL media 1, 2, or 4 (CM1, CM2, CM4) could be substituted for CTS™OpTmizer™ T-Cell serum free expansion Medium, referred to as Defined Medium (DM1 or DM2), as noted above.

Process description. On day 0, the tumor was washed 3 times, then fragmented in 3×3×3 final fragments. Once the whole tumor was fragmented, then the final fragments were randomized equally and divided into three pools. One randomized fragment pool was introduced to each arm, adding the same number of fragments per the three experimental matrices.

Tumor L4063 expansion was performed with Standard Media and tumor L4064 expansion was performed with Defined Media (CTS OpTmizer) for the entire TIL expansion process. Components of the media are described herein.

CM1 Complete Media 1: RPMI+ Glutamine supplemented with 2 mM GlutaMax™, 10% Human AB Serum, Gentamicin (50 ug/mL), 2-Mercaptoethanol (55 uM). Final media formulation supplemented with 60001U/mL IL-2.

CM2 Complete Media 2: 50% CM1 medium+50% AIM-V medium. Final media formulation supplemented with 60001U/mL IL-2.

CM4 Complete Media 4: AIM-V supplemented with GlutaMax™ (2 mM). Final media formulation supplemented with 30001U/mL IL-2.

CTS OpTmizer CTS™OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Basal Medium supplemented with CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Supplement (26 mL/L).

DM1: CTS™OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Basal Medium supplemented with CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Supplement (26 mL/L), and CTS™ Immune Cell SR (3%), with GlutaMax™ (2 mM). Final formulation supplemented with 6,000 IU/mL of IL-2.

DM2: CTS™OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Basal Medium supplemented with CTS™ OpTmizer™ T-Cell Expansion Supplement (26 mL/L), and CTS™ Immune Cell SR (3%), with GlutaMax™ (2 mM). Final formulation supplemented with 3,000 IU/mL of IL-2.

All types of media used, i.e., Complete (CM) and Defined (DM) media, were prepared in advance, held at 4° C. degree until the day before use, and warmed at 37° C. in an incubator for up to 24 hours in advance prior to process day.

TIL culture reactivation occurred on Day 7 for both tumors. Scale-up occurred on day 10 for L4063 and day 11 for L4064. Both cultures were harvested and cryopreserved on Day 16.

Results Achieved. Cells counted and % viability for Gen 3.0 and Gen 3.1 processes were determined. Expansion in all the conditions followed details described in this example.

For each tumor, the fragments were divided into three pools of equal numbers. Due to the small size of the tumors, the maximum number of fragments per flask was not achieved. For the three different processes, the total viable cells and cell viability were assessed for each condition. Cell counts were determined as TVC on day 7 for reactivation, TVC on day 10 (L4064) or day 11 (L4063) for scale-up, and TVC at harvest on day 16/17.

Cell counts for Day 7 and Day 10/11 were taken FIO. Fold expansion was calculated by dividing the harvest day 16/17 TVC by the day 7 reactivation day TVC. To compare the three arms, the TVC on harvest day was divided by the number of fragments added in the culture on Day 0 in order to calculate an average of viable cells per fragment.

Cell counts and viability assays were performed for L4063 and L4064. The Gen 3.1-Test process yielded more cells per fragment than the Gen 3.0 Process on both tumors.

Total viable cell count and fold expansion; % Viability during the process. On reactivation, scale up and harvest the percent viability was performed on all conditions. On day 16/17 harvest, the final TVC were compared against release criteria for % viability. All of the conditions assessed surpassed the 70% viability criterion and were comparable across processes and tumors.

Immunophenotyping—Phenotypic characterization on TIL final product. The final products were subjected to flow cytometry analysis to test purity, differentiation, and memory markers. Percent populations were consistent for TCRa/p, CD⁴+ and CD⁸+ cells for all conditions.

Extended phenotypic analysis of REP TIL was performed. TIL product showed a higher percentage of CD⁴+ cells for Gen 3.1 conditions compared to Gen 3.0 on both tumors, and higher percentage of CD28+ cells from CD⁸+ population for Gen 3.0 compared to Gen 3.1 conditions on both conditions.

TIL harvested from the Gen 3.0 and Gen 3.1 processes showed comparable phenotypic markers as CD27 and CD56 expression on CD⁴+ and CD⁸+ cells, and a comparable CD28 expression on CD⁴+ gated cells population. Memory markers comparison on TIL final product:

Frozen samples of TIL harvested on day 16 were stained for analysis. TIL memory status was comparable between Gen 3.0 and Gen 3.1 processes. Activation and exhaustion markers comparison on TIL final product:

Activation and exhaustion markers were comparable between the Gen 3.0 and Gen 3.1 processes gated on CD⁴+ and CD⁸+ cells.

Interferon gamma secretion upon restimulation. Harvested TIL underwent an overnight restimulation with coated anti-CD3 plates for L4063 and L4064. Higher production of IFNγ from the Gen 3.1 process was observed in the two tumors analyzed compared to Gen 3.0 process.

Measurement of IL-2 levels in culture media. To compare the levels of IL-2 consumption between all of the conditions and processes, cell supernatants were collected at initiation of reactivation on Day 7, at scale-up Day 10 (L4064)/11 (L4063), and at harvest Day 16/17, and frozen. The supernatants were subsequently thawed and then analyzed. The quantity of IL-2 in cell culture supernatant was measured by the manufacturer protocol.

Overall Gen 3 and Gen 3.1 processes were comparable in terms of IL-2 consumption during the complete process assessed across same media conditions. IL-2 concentration (pg/mL) analysis on spent media collected for L4063 and L4064.

Metabolite analysis. Spent media supernatants was collected from L4063 and L4064 at reactivation initiation on day 7, scale-up on day 10 (L4064) or day 11 (L4063), and at harvest on days 16/17 for L4063 and L4064, for every condition. Supernatants were analyzed on a CEDEX Bio-analyzer for concentrations of glucose, lactate, glutamine, GlutaMax™, and ammonia.

Defined media has a higher glucose concentration of 4.5 g/L compared to complete media (2 g/L). Overall, the concentration and consumption of glucose were comparable for Gen 3.0 and Gen 3.1 processes within each media type.

An increase in lactate was observed and increase in lactate was comparable between the Gen 3.0 and Gen 3.1 conditions and between the two media used for reactivation expansion (complete media and defined media).

In some instances, the standard basal media contained 2 mM L-glutamine and was supplemented with 2 mM GlutaMax™ to compensate for the natural degradation of L-glutamine in culture conditions to L-glutamate and ammonia.

In some instances, defined (serum free) media used did not contain L-glutamine on the basal media, and was supplemented only with GlutaMax™ to a final concentration of 2 mM. GlutaMax™ is a dipeptide of L-alanine and L-glutamine, is more stable than L-glutamine in aqueous solutions and does not spontaneously degrade into glutamate and ammonia. Instead, the dipeptide is gradually dissociated into the individual amino acids, thereby maintaining a lower but sufficient concentration of L-glutamine to sustain robust cell growth.

In some instances, the concentration of glutamine and GlutaMax™ slightly decreased on the scale-up day, but at harvest day showed an increase to similar or closer levels compared to reactivation day. For L4064, glutamine and GlutaMax™ concentration showed a slight degradation in a similar rate between different conditions, during the whole process.

Ammonia concentrations were higher samples grown in standard media containing 2 mM glutamine+2 mM GlutaMax™) than those grown in defined media containing 2 mM GlutaMax™). Further, as expected, there was a gradual increase or accumulation of ammonia over the course of the culture. There were no differences in ammonia concentrations across the three different test conditions.

Telomere repeats by Flow—FISH. Flow-FISH technology was used to measure the average length of the telomere repeat on L4063 and L4064 under Gen 3 and Gen 3.1 processes. The determination of a relative telomere length (RTL) was calculated using Telomere PNA kit/FITC for flow cytometry analysis from DAKO. Telomere assay was performed. Telomere length in samples were compared to a control cell line (1301 leukemia). The control cell line is a tetraploid cell line having long stable telomeres that allows calculation of a relative telomere length. Gen 3 and Gen 3.1 processes assessed in both tumors showed comparable telomere length.

TCR Vβ repertoire Analysis

To determine the clonal diversity of the cell products generated in each process, TIL final products were assayed for clonal diversity analysis through sequencing of the CDR3 portion of the T-cell receptors.

Three parameters were compared between the three conditions:

-   -   Diversity index of Unique CDR3 (uCDR3)     -   % shared uCDR3     -   For the top 80% of uCDR3:         -   Compare the % shared uCDR3 copies         -   Compare the frequency of unique clonotypes

Control and Gen 3.1 Test, percentage shared unique CDR3 sequences on TIL harvested cell product for: 975 sequences are shared between Gen 3 and Gen 3.1 Test final product, equivalent to 88% of top 80% of unique CDR3 sequences from Gen 3 shared with Gen 3.1.

Control and Gen 3.1 Test, percentage shared unique CDR3 sequences on TIL harvested cell product for: 2163 sequences are shared between Gen 3 and Gen 3.1 Test final product, equivalent to 87% of top 80% of unique CDR3 sequences from Gen 3 shared with Gen 3.1.

The number of unique CD3 sequences identified from 1×10⁶ cells collected on Harvest day 16, for the different processes. Gen 3.1 Test condition showed a slightly higher clonal diversity compared to Gen 3.0 based on the number of unique peptide CDRs within the sample.

The Shannon entropy diversity index is a reliable and common metric for comparison, because Gen 3.1 conditions on both tumors showed slightly higher diversity than Gen 3 process, suggesting that TCR Vβ repertoire for Gen 3.1 Test condition was more polyclonal than the Gen 3.0 process.

Additionally, the TCR Vβ repertoire for Gen 3.1 Test condition showed more than 87% overlap with the corresponding repertoire for Gen 3.0 process on both tumor L4063 and L4064.

The value of IL-2 concentration on spent media for Gen 3.1 Test L4064 on reactivation day was below to the expected value (similar to Gen 3.1 control and Gen 3.0 condition).

The low value could be due to a pipetting error, but because of the minimal sample taken it was not possible to repeat the assay.

Conclusions. Gen 3.1 test condition including feeders and OKT-3 on Day 0 showed a higher TVC of cell doses at Harvest day 16 compared to Gen 3.0 and Gen 3.1 control. TVC on the final product for Gen 3.1 test condition was around 2.5 times higher than Gen 3.0.

Gen 3.1 test condition with the addition of OKT-3 and feeders on day 0, for both tumor samples tested, reached a maximum capacity of the flask at harvest. Under these conditions, if a maximum of 4 flasks on day 0 is initiated, the final cell dose could be between 80-100×10⁹ TILs.

All the quality attributes such as phenotypic characterization including purity, exhaustion, activation and memory markers on final TIL product were maintained between Gen 3.1 Test and Gen 3.0 process.

IFN-γ production on final TIL product was 3 times higher on Gen 3.1 with feeder and OKT-3 addition on day 0, compared to Gen 3.0 in the two tumors analyzed, suggesting Gen 3.1 process generated a potent TIL product.

No differences observed in glucose or lactate levels across test conditions. No differences observed on glutamine and ammonia between Gen 3.0 and Gen 3.1 processes across media conditions. The low levels of glutamine on the media are not limiting cell growth and suggest the addition of GlutaMax™ only in media is sufficient to give the nutrients needed to make cells proliferate.

The scale up on day 11 and day 10 respectively and did not show major differences in terms of cell number reached on the harvest day of the process and metabolite consumption was comparable in both cases during the whole process. This observation suggests of Gen 3.0 optimized process can have flexibility on processing days, thereby facilitating flexibility in the manufacturing schedule.

Gen 3.1 process with feeder and OKT-3 addition on day 0 showed a higher clonal diversity measured by CDR3 TCRab sequence analysis compared to Gen 3.0.

FIG. 32 describes an embodiment of the Gen 3 process (Gen 3 0ptimized process). Standard media and CTS Optimizer serum free media can be used for Gen 3 Optimized process TIL expansion. In case of CTS Optimizer serum free media is recommended to increase the GlutaMax™ on the media to final concentration 4 mM.

Example 11: Process for Infiltrating Lymphocyte (Til) Expansion Related to Cd39/Cd69 Selection and Gene Knockout in Tils Tumor Preparation

Freshly resected tumor samples, is used for digest, sorting and Gen 2 product generation. Photograph and remove the tumor from packaging, weigh the vial with and without the tumor and calculated the mass of the tumor.

Fragment the entire tumor into approximately 4-6-mm3 fragments for tumor digest. Depending on the cell population that is being used for expansion, the tumor is digested and expanded using Gen 2 protocols.

Enzyme Preparation for Tumor Digestion (Using Research Grade DNAse, Collagenase and Hyaluronidase)

Reconstitute the lyophilized enzymes in the amount of sterile HBSS indicated for each of the digestion enzymes below. These enzymes are prepared as 10× . Pipette up and down several times and swirl to ensure complete reconstitution.

Reconstitute 1-g of Collagenase IV (Sigma, MO, C5138) in 10-ml HBSS (to make a 100-mg/mL stock). Mix by pipetting up and down to dissolve. If not dissolved after reconstitution, place in a 37° C. H20 bath for 5 minutes. Aliquot into 1-ml vials. This is the 100−mg/mL 10× working stock for collagenase.

Prepare the DNAse (Sigma, MO, D5025) stock solution (10,000-IU/mL). The units of DNAse for each lot is provided in the accompanying data sheet. Calculate the appropriate volume of HBSS to reconstitute the 100-mg lyophilized DNAse stock. For example, if the DNAse stock is 2000-U/mg, the total DNAse in the stock is 200,000-IU (2000-IU/mg×100-mg). Dilute to a working stock of 10,000 IU, add 20-ml of HBSS to the 100 mg of DNAse (200,000 IU/20 ml=10,000U/mL). Aliquot into 1-ml vials. This is the 10,000 IU/mL 10× working stock for DNAse.

Prepare the hyaluronidase 10-mg/mL (Sigma, MO, H2126) stock solution. Reconstitute the 500-mg vial with 50-ml of HBSS to make a 10-mg/mL stock solution. Aliquot into 1-ml vials. This was the 10-mg/mL 10× working stock for hyaluronidase.

Dilute the stock digest enzymes to 1×. To make a 1× working solution, add 500-ml each of the collagenase, DNase and hyaluronidase to 3.5-ml of HBSS. Add the digest cocktail directly to the C-tube.

Enzyme Preparation for Tumor Digestion (using GMP Collagenase and Neutral Protease)

Reconstitute the lyophilized enzymes in the amount of sterile HBSS indicated for each of the digestion enzymes below. Be sure to capture any residual powder from the sides of the bottles and from the protective foil on the bottles opening. Pipette up and down several times and swirl to ensure complete reconstitution.

Reconstitute the Collagenase AF-1 (Nordmark, Sweden, N0003554) in 10-ml of sterile HBSS. The lyophilized stock enzyme is at a concentration of 2892 PZ U/vial. After reconstitution the collagenase stock was 289.2 PZ U/mL.

Reconstitute the Neutral protease (Nordmark, Sweden, N0003553) in 1-ml of sterile HBSS. The lyophilized stock enzyme is at a concentration of 175 DMC U/vial.

Threfore, after reconstitution the neutral protease stock was 175 DMC/mL.

Reconstitute the DNAse I (Roche, Switzerland, 03724751) in 1-ml of sterile HBSS. The lyophilized stock enzyme is at a concentration of 4KU/vial. Threfore, after reconstitution the DNAse stock is 4KU/vial.

Prepare the working GMP digest cocktail. Add 10.2-μl of the neutral protease (0.36 DMC U/mL), 21.3-μl of collagenase AF-1 (1.2 PZ/mL) and 250-μl of DNAse I (200 U/mL) to 4.7-ml of sterile HBSS. Place the digest cocktail directly into the C-tube.

Tumor Processing and Digestion

If using GentleMACS OctoDissociator transfer the tumor fragments to a GentleMACS C-Tube (C-tube) or 50-ml conical tube in the 5-ml of digest cocktail (in HBSS) indicated above. Transfer 2-3 fragments (4-6 mm) to each C-tube.

Transfer each C-tube (Miltenyi Biotec, Germany, 130-096-334) to the GentleMACS OctoDissociator (Miltenyi Biotec, Germany, 130-095-937). Use according to the manufacturer's directions. Note, each tumor histology has a recommended program for tumor dissociation. Select the appropriate program for the respective tumor histology. The dissociation would approximately one hour.

If the GentleMACS OctoDissociator is not available, use a standard rotator. Placed 2-3 tumor fragments in a 50-ml conical tube (sealed with parafilm to avoid leakage) and secure to the rotator. Place the rotator, at 37° C., 5% CO₂ humidified incubator on constant rotation for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, the tumor fragments could be digested at RT overnight, also with constant rotation.

Post-digest, remove the C-tube from the Octodissociator or rotator. Attach a 0.22-μm strainer to sterile Falcon conical tube. Using a pipette, pass all contents from the C-tube/or 50-ml conical (5 ml) through the 0.22-μm strainer into a 50-ml conical. Wash the C-tube/50-ml conical with 10-ml of HBSS and apply to the strainer. Use the flat end of a sterile syringe plunger to dissociate any remaining non-digested tumor through the filter. Add CM1 or HBSS up to 50-ml and cap the tube.

Pellet the samples by centrifugation, 1500 rpm, 5 min at RT (with an acceleration and deacceleration of 9). Carefully remove the liquid, resuspended pellet in 5-ml of CM1 for cell counting and viability assessment.

Put aside whole tumor digest for the following: 1. Cell culture (unselected TIL control) 2. FMO flow cytometry controls 3. Pre-sort whole tumor digest phenotyping assays 4. Frozen for tumor reactivity/cell killing assays. The number of cells put aside will depend on the total digest yield and tumor histology.

Cleaning Up the Digest Using the Debris Removal Kit

Debris could be removed from the tumor digest using the Debris Removal Solution (Miltenyi Biotec, Germany, Cat #130-10⁹-398) or other equivalent reagent, according to the manufacturer's directions.

Centrifuge the tumor cell suspension at 300×g for 10 minutes at 4° C. and aspirate supernatant completely.

Resuspend cell suspension carefully with the appropriate volume of cold buffer according to the table below and transfer the cell suspension to a 15 ml conical tube. DO NOT VORTEX.

Resuspension Debris Removal Overlay (PBS) Solution (PBS) 0.5-1 g tissue 6200- μl 1800- μl 4-ml >0.5 g tissue 3100- μl  900- μl 4-ml

Add appropriate volume of cold Debris Removal Solution and mix well by pipetting slowly up and down 10⁻²⁰ times using a 5-ml pipette. Overlayed very gently with 4-ml of cold buffer. Tilt the tube and pipette very slowly to ensure that the PBS/D-PBS phase overlays the cell suspension and phases are not mixed. Centrifuge the tumor cell suspension at 3000×g for 10 minutes at 4° C. with full acceleration and full break. Three phases should form. Aspirate the two top phases completely and discard them.

The bottom phase contains the Debris Removal Solution and the cells. Be sure to leave at least as much volume at the bottom as was added of the Debris Removal solution. (i.e. if lml of solution was added leave at least 1-ml at the bottom of the tube).

Bring up to 15-ml with cold buffer and invert the tube at least three times. DO NOT VORTEX. Centrifuge at 4° C. and 1000×g for 10 minutes will full acceleration and full break. Resuspend cells in HBSS or media for cell count.

Staining Digested Tumor for Cell Sorting (Both Ex-Vivo and Post Expansion Sorting)

The tumor digest is stained with a cocktail that includes anti-CD69, anti-CD39 and anti-CD3 antibodies according to the following protocol. Post-count, resuspend the cells in 10-ml HBSS.

Resuspend pellet in FACS buffer (1×HBSS, 1 mM EDTA, 2% fetal bovine serum). The amount of FACS buffer added to the pellet is based upon the size of the pellet. The staining volume should be about 3 times the size of the pellet. Therefore, if there is 300-μl of cells, the volume of buffer should be at least 900-μl.

For antibody addition, each 100-μl of volume is equivalent to one test (titered amount of antibody). I.e., if there is 1-ml of volume, 10× the amount of titered antibody is required. Add a titered amount of each of the following antibodies; anti-CD3-PE-Cy7, anti-CD69 PE and anti-CD39 FITC per 100-μl of volume. Incubate cells on ice for 30 minutes. Protect from light during incubation. Agitate a couple times during incubation. Resuspend cells in 20-ml of FACS buffer. Pass solution through a 70-micron cell strainer into a new 50-ml conical. Centrifuge, 400×g, 5 min at RT (acceleration and deacceleration of 9). Aspirate. Resuspend cells in up to 10e6/mL TOTAL (live+dead) in FACS buffer. Minimum volume is 300-μl. Transfer to sterile polypropylene FACS tubes or 15-ml conical tubes. 3-ml/tube for FACS sorting. Prepare 15-ml collection tubes for the sorted populations. Place 2-ml of FACS buffer in the tubes.

Cell Counting and Viability

The procedures for obtaining cell and viability counts used the Nexcelom Cellometer K2 or equivalent cell counter.

FACS Sorting (FX500 Startup Procedure)

NOTE: The protocols for other flow cytometers will vary and manufacturer's instructions for machine use are followed and adapted a necessary.

After start-up and when prompted, install all 4 bags of PBS/EDTA buffer. Attach the PEEK sample line. Refer to “LE-FX500 0perators Guide” for detailed descriptions of the process.

Configure the Instrument. When prompted for the laser selection, select all 3 lasers. (488 nm, 561 nm, and 638 nm). When prompted for the filter setting, select the “Standard” radio button. Run automatic calibration. When prompted to load calibration beads, add 15 drops of the Automatic Setup Beads to a 5-ml, sterile FACS tube. Then follow prompts.

When prompted for to select settings for Auto Calibration, selected the “Standard” radio button. While waiting for the calibration to complete prepare the following:

-   -   Prepare five sterile 15-ml conical tubes with 10-ml of sterile         D.I. water.     -   Prepare five sterile 5-ml FACS tubes with 4-ml of sterile D.I.         water.     -   Prepare five sterile 15-ml conical tubes with 12-ml of 70% EtOH.     -   Prepare five sterile 15-ml conical tubes with 12-ml of 10%         Sodium Hypochlorite.

Sort cells according to standard methods employed and based on the fluorophores employed.

Sample Collection

Verify that the sample and collection chambers are at 5° C. and that the agitate sample icon is selected. Click on the Cytometer tab at the top of the screen and on the Collection 5° C. icon as well as the Sample 5° C. icon. Click on the Agitate icon. Verify that the samples are compensated. Click on the Compensation tab at the top of the screen.

Place the tube containing the PBMC control (either a 5-ml FACS tube or a 15-ml conical) on the sample collection platform. Set the sample collection pressure to 6. Begin sample collection. Click on the Gates and Statistics table and select 100,000 for both drop-down menus seen above.

Verify that the cell populations are gated correctly. It could be necessary to adjust the BSC or FSC settings. However, do not adjust the voltages for any other channels.

When finished adjusting the gates, without recording, click Stop and unload the tube. Click the next tube icon and right click the tube and select Rename. Label the tube “PE fmo.” Load the tube and press play. Note: There were usually not very many cells in this tube. Adjust the gates as necessary.

When the gates were satisfactory, Record as many events as possible (or 20,000 CD3 events maximum). Can set the sample pressure to 10 to speed up this collection.

Stop the collection and remove the tube. Load a 15-ml conical tube of sterile dH20made previously onto the sample platform. Select 10 for the sample pressure. Collect the sample for one minute. Repeat until the CD3 gate is empty of events. Remove the dH20 sample tube and discarded. Draw a line on the tube to be collected with a permanent marker at the bottom of the meniscus and at the halfway point.

Add the sample to be collected onto the loading platform. Verify the settings. Select 4 for the sample pressure. Wait for the cells to appear on screen. About 15 seconds. When fractions are visible, pause. The lowest 2 of the 3 fractions are collected first.

Open the Sample Chamber door and load the 15-ml collection chamber block to the chamber. Load the collection tubes containing the collection buffer into the chamber block: Invert the capped tubes several times to coat the top of the tube with collection buffer. Tap the tubes on the surface of the BSC to remove excess buffer from the top of the tube and cap. Choose the CD39-/CD69−(e.g., CD39^(LO)/CD69^(LO) and/or CD39/CD69 double negative) fraction. Remove caps and place the tubes into the sample chamber block. Select the correct right/left orientation to match the tube positions. Click Load Collection icon.

Adjust the sample pressure so the total events per second are below 5,000. Click the start sort icon. Adjust the sample pressure to maintain a sorting efficiency of at least 85%. Record 50,000 CD3 events. Stop the sorting when the sample reaches approximately 2/3 empty. Remove the collected sample that contains the most events. Recap and place on ice or at 4° C. Leave the sample with the lower amount in the collection chamber so that more cells can be collected during the collection of the highest percentage of cells. Label the collection tube and removed cap. Place it into the collection chamber.

Select the appropriate left/right orientation of the sort collection. Load collection tubes. Press play, record, and begin sort. When the sample reaches approximately one third empty, stop the sort. Remove the collected fractions. Recap and place on ice or at 4° C. and place a CD3 collection tube in the left side of the holder.

Make the left side for CD3 and the right side sort blank. Continue sorting until all the sample is gone from the sample tube. It is okay if the tube runs “dry.” Remove the Sample tube from the sample chamber and discard. Remove the sorted fraction from the collection chamber. Cap the tubes and invert gently several times to incorporate the droplets near the top of the tube into the solution. Tap the tubes gently on the surface of the BSC to remove excess solution from the top of the tube and the cap. Place the tubes on ice.

Verify the percent purity of the CD39^(LO)CD69^(LO) fraction. Place a 14-ml conical tube of sterile dH20onto the sample chamber. Click the Probe Wash icon. Repeat. Remove the dH20tube and add the positive fraction tube. Change the sample pressure value to 10. Click the next tube icon. Name the tube with the sample name and “hi select.” Click play and record 75 CD3 positive events. Immediately stop the tube and unload it from the sample chamber.

Repeat these steps for the remaining samples

Export the Data

Select the “fmo” tube by double clicking on it and save report. Repeat for each of the tubes collected.

REP1 Initiation

The condition that had the fewest number of cells could be used to determine the number of cells for REP1 initiation. The % of CD3 cells, (determined during the sort) will be used to calculate the total number of cells in the whole digest that are required to initiate REP1, in the unselected TIL condition, with the same number of CD3 cells as sorted samples. Total number of whole digest cells for REP 1 initiation=Number of sorted cells inoculated in REP1/% of CD3 cells.

Approximately 1000-100,000 cells CD3+ cells are placed into a G-REX10 or flask equivalent, with 7-ml or 40-ml of CM2 respectively (50% RPMI 1640+10% human serum, glutamax, gentamycin and 50% AimV) with 3000-IU/mL of IL-2 for 11 days. At least one G-REX flask is initiated for the CD39^(LO)CD69^(LO) sorted populations and unselected TIL.

Anti-CD3 (clone: OKT3) (30-ng/mL) and Feeders (1:100 ratio (TIL: feeders)) are added to each flask at the initiation of culture.

Incubate the cells in the plates/flasks for 11 days, no media changes are performed (REP1). For the single REP condition, continue to culture the cells for additional 3-7 days, and then proceed to characterization.

At the completion of REPI, remove approximately 30-ml of media for a G-REX 10. Resuspend the cells in the remaining media by pipetting up and down. Place cells in a 50-ml conical and centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 5 min (acceleration and deacceleration of 9).

Aspirate the media and resuspend cells in 10⁻²⁰-ml of CM2 for counting and viability assessment.

REP2 Initiation

For a mini-REP2 initiation, 1e5 cells were placed into a G-REX 10 or equivalent with 40-ml of CM2 media and 3000-IU/mL of IL-2. Anti-CD3 (clone: OKT3) (30-ng/mL) and Feeders (1:100 ratio, TIL: feeders) were added at culture initation.

For “full-scale runs”, 2e6-30e6 cells are expanded in a G-REX 100M or equivalent in 1-L of CM2 media and 3000-IU/m of IL-2. Anti-CD3 (clone: OKT3) (30-ng/mL) and Feeders (1:100 ratio, TIL: feeders) are added at culture initation.

A media change (For mini-scale) or media change+split (for “full scale runs) is performed at Day 5 of REP2 (Day 16 of process). The flasks were volume reduced to approximately 10-ml (G-REX 10) or 100-ml (G-REX 100M) and supplemented to 40-ml (G-REX 10) or 1-L (G-REX 100M) with either CM2 or AimV+3000-IU/mL IL-2. For “full scale runs”, the flasks are split 1:2.

At Day 11 of REP2 (or Day 22 of the process), flasks are volume reduced, centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 5 min at RT (acceleration and deacceleration of 9).

The final product is assessed for cell count, viability, phenotype, cytokine production, TCRVP repertoire analysis, and tumor specific reactivity.

FIG. 34 provides a schematic of the process outlined in Example 15.

References for Example 15

-   1. Rosenberg, S. A., et al., Durable complete responses in heavily     pretreated patients with metastatic melanoma using T-cell transfer     immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res, 2011. 17(13): p. 4550-7. -   2. Kvistborg, P., et al., TIL therapy broadens the tumor-reactive     CD8(+) T cell compartment in melanoma patients.     Oncoimmunology, 2012. 1(4): p. 409-418. -   3. Simoni, Y., et al., Bystander CD8(+) T cells are abundant and     phenotypically distinct in human tumour infiltrates. Nature, 2018.     557(7706): p. 575-579. -   4. Schumacher, T. N. and R. D. Schreiber, Neoantigens in cancer     immunotherapy. Science, 2015. 348(6230): p. 69-74. -   5. Turcotte, S., et al., Phenotype and function of T cells     infiltrating visceral metastases from gastrointestinal cancers and     melanoma: implications for adoptive cell transfer therapy. J     Immunol, 2013. 191(5): p. 2217-25. -   6. Inozume, T., et al., Selection of CD⁸+PD-1+lymphocytes in fresh     human melanomas enriches for tumor-reactive T cells. J     Immunother, 2010. 33(9): p. 956-64. -   7. Gros, A., et al., PD-1 identifies the patient-specific CD8(+)     tumor-reactive repertoire infiltrating human tumors. J Clin     Invest, 2014. 124(5): p. 2246-59. -   8. Thommen, D. S., et al., A transcriptionally and functionally     distinct PD-1(+) CD8(+) T cell pool with predictive potential in     non-small-cell lung cancer treated with PD-1 blockade. Nat Med,     2018.

Example 12: Akt Inhibition During Rapid Expansion Protocol (Rep) Expands the Memory Characteristics and Cytokine Production of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (Til) and Increases the Population of Memory-Progenitor Stem-Like (Cd39-Cd69-) Cells

Patient tumors from different indications were received, fragmented, and subjected to an expansion protocol for TIL manufacturing. Different doses (0.3 μM and 1 μM) of the pan-AKT inhibitor (AKTi) ipatasertib were added to the culture during ex vivo expansion. The expansion potential, as well as the phenotypic and functional characteristics of TIL were evaluated on the final TIL product.

AKTi treatment at 1p M dose led to equivalent expansion and viability of TIL relative to control but doubled the population of less differentiated CD39-CD69−cells. This effect was present even after re-stimulation and these cells showed reduced expression of CD38 as well as the transcription factors T-bet and Tox, suggesting a less differentiated and exhausted phenotype. Importantly, AKTi treatment led to an increase in the frequency of IFNγ+TNFα+CD⁸+ T cells, which translated into increased cytotoxicity.

AKTi treatment during ex vivo TIL expansion augmented the proportion of less differentiated more memory-like, functional TIL. Temporally inhibiting AKT signaling during TIL expansion could therefore represent an approach for improving the quality of TIL and augment TIL persistence and therapeutic efficacy in the clinical setting.

Example 13: Ex Vivo Stimulation of Primary Lymphoid Cultures to Enhance B- and T-Cell Therapeutic Benefits in Melanoma Patients

This Example describes an abbreviated procedure for stimulating harvested populations of TILs that include B-cells and T-cells during pre-REP expansion for use in adoptive cell therapy for the treatment of melanoma in the exemplary methods described herein.

Recent work demonstrates that B-cell infiltration is associated with improved clinical responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Petitprez F, et al. (2020). Nature. 577:556-56.

In an assay of 20 individuals, including 12 whose melanoma did not respond to TIL therapy (non-responders) and eight individual who did (responders), RNA-seq analysis of FFPE melanoma samples demonstrates that a higher content of class-switched memory B-cells tightly corresponded with the class who responded to the therapy in the clinic.

As a result, pre-REP stimulation studies were designed to attempt to enhance the B-cell response in TIL populations. Briefly, frozen tumor digests were cultured by standard protocols (see, the Examples) either in the presence or absence of CD40L beginning on Day 0 and continuing for 48h. Cells are then assayed for specific tumor recognition, with those responding populations undergoing a second expansion in the REP phase.

First, the effect of stimulation with a CD40 agonist were assessed in B-cells. 48h CD40L treatment significantly increased the CD80+CD86+ B-cell population, which is a marker for activated (i.e., class-switched) memory B-cells, with a roughly 20-fold mean increase when compared to control TIL populations, as assayed by flow cytometry.

Next, overall cell counts of pre-REP TIL populations were performed to assess the impact of CD40L stimulation on the overall expansion. The CD40L-stimulated TIL populations are three times more likely to expand than under control conditions and expansion is significantly more robust on average for the stimulated populations as well.

Impacts of stimulation on the T-cells within the TIL population were also assessed. Notably, CD40L stimulation results in a significant increase in the number of CD⁴+ T-cells, without diminishing the CD⁸+ T-cell population. Further, CD40L stimulation results in a significant increase in the amount of effector memory T-cells (TEM cells) within the TIL populations while no similar increase is observed in either central memory T-cells or CD45+ TEM cells. Finally, the proportion of CD39-CD69−T-cells was assessed between these two conditions. CD40L stimulation results in a signficant increase in this subpopulation relative to control.

The next step was to assess the impact of CD40L stimulation on TIL populations in post-REP phase. Post-REP T-cells were assayed for markers of exhaustion. No significant difference was oberved between CD40L-stimulated and control TIL populations after 14 days of expansion. Further, no significant difference was found when assessing the relative size of the CD39-CD69−subpopulation at the same time point.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-expansion stimulation with at least CD40L led to increases in CD⁴+ T cell populations without impacting the prevalence CD8. Further, this stimulation resulted in increased CD39-CD69−populations when assayed pre-REP. Finally, stimulation with CD40L led to higher viability and greater expansion from cryopreserved samples compared to standard expansion protocols without stimulation. In all, this Example suggests that pre-expansion stimulation with at least CD40L may confer benefits when the resulting TIL population is administered to a patient.

Example 14: Titrating IL-2 and Gdc-0068, Testing Combination of IL-2+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) IN PRE-REP CELLS UNDER PRE-REP CONDITIONS

This Example describes the determination of the effects of lower doses of IL-2 alone or in combination with different concentrations of the AKT inhibitor GDC-0068 and IL-21 (10 ng/ml) during pre-REP conditions using frozen pre-REP cells. Various parameters are analyzed including viability, yield as well as other phenotypic and functional characteristics of TILs post pre-REP, related to stem-like attributes and prevention of effector differentiation. The objective of this study was to examine the dose of IL-2 to use during pre-REP as well as determine whether combination of AKTi (and at what concentration) or IL-21 could further improve the phenotype of TILs during this phase of the expansion process.

Frozen pre-REP TILs were thawed and cultured under pre-REP conditions using different cytokine conditions in 24-well GREX plates. Cytokines given twice (Day 0 and Day 5 of pre-REP).

Conclusions of these experiments (illustrated in FIGS. 76-79 ) include that a concentration of IL-2 during pre-REP is likely useful in ranges between 6000 and 3000 IU/ml. Concentration of AKTi treatment during pre-REP may need to be lower than during REP. For GDC-0068 a concentration of 1 uM is selected. Combination of IL-2 and IL-21 at 10 ng/ml confers beneficial phenotypic changes on TILs.

Example 15: Testing Effects of Different Akt Inhibitors During REP IN COMBINATION WITH LOWER DOSES OF IL-2 AND IL-21

This Example describes the evaluation of the effect of different AKT inhibitors in combination with lower doses of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) and IL-21 (10 ng/ml) on the phenotype of TILs. Various parameters are analyzed including viability, yield and other phenotypic and functional characteristics of TILs post-REP related to stem-like attributes and prevention of effector differentiation. The overarching goal of these experiments is to determine the growth conditions during the expansion process of TILs to augment their stem-like attributes while improving their functional and phenotypic characteristics.

Frozen pre-REP TILs were thawed and REPped under different cytokine conditions in 24-well GREX plates. Cytokines were given twice (Day 0 and Day 5 of REP). The REP protocol was modified at this point based on results from earlier experiments. Particularly, said modifications include:

-   -   1) Feeder:TIL ratio increased to 200:1 with 4 million feeders         and 20,000 TILs per well, OKT3 at 30 ng/mL     -   2) On day 0 the REP is initiated with 3 mL of CM2 with cytokines         and compounds. 3) On day five 5 mL of CM4 media was added to         each well.     -   4) All cytokines and compounds are added twice on day 0 and day         5.     -   5) Pre-REP TILs from 4 different indications were thawed and         REPped in a G-REX 24 well plate.     -   6) REP TILs were rested overnight followed by cell surface and         intracellular markers.

The conditions tested in this study include the following: IL-2 30001U/mL, IL-2 1000 IU/mL, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+5 uM GDC-0068, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+3 uM GSK2110183, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+3 uM AZD5363, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+3 uM MK-2206, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+0.2 Borrusertib, and IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+1 uM AT7867.

Conclusions of this study (illustrated in FIGS. 80-88 ) include that AKTi added under REP conditions with lower levels of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) and IL-21 (10 ng/ml) further enhances the following: increased frequency of CD127+ TILs, increased frequency of less activated PD1-TIM3− TILs, decreased frequency of LAG3, TIM3 and TIGIT expressing cells, decreased frequency of CD25 and CD38 expression in TILs, and decreased frequency of more activated and differentiated CD69+CD39+ TILs.

Example 16: Selection of Conditions for Pre-Rep by Evaluating the Effects of Lower Dose of IL-2 with or without IL-21 and Akti

This Example describes the evaluation of the conditions for pre-REP expansion of TILs by using lower doses of IL-2 with or without IL-21 and AKTi at different concentrations. For this study, MK-2206 was used. Various parameters were analyzed including viability, yield and other phenotypic and functional characteristics of TILs post-pre-REP and related to stem-like attributes and prevention of effector differentiation. The overarching goal of these experiments is to examine the growth conditions during the whole expansion process of TILs to augment their stem-like attributes while improving their functional and phenotypic characteristics.

Frozen pre-REP TILs were thawed and re pre-REPped under different cytokine conditions in 24-well GREX plates. Cytokines were given twice (Day 0 and Day 5 of pre-REP). Frozen pre-REP cells were thawed and plated at 2 million cells in 24-well G-Rex plates for another round of pre-REP. Pre-REP TILs from 4 different indications were used. Following the 11-day pre-REP process TILs were stained or stimulated overnight with anti-CD3/CD28 beads. The following conditions were tested: IL-2 60001U/mL, IL-2 30001U/mL, IL-2 30001U/mL+0.5 uM MK-2206, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+1 uM MK-2206, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 (10 ng/ml), IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 (3 ng/ml), IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 (10 ng/ml)+1 uM MK-2206, and IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 (3 ng/ml)+1 uM MK-2206.

Conclusions of these experiments (illustrated in FIGS. 89-97 ) include that IL-2 at 3000 IU/ml in combination with IL-21 (10 ng/ml) conferred beneficial phenotypic changes on TILs associated with reduced activation and improved functionality. These conditions are selected for the pre-REP phase in some embodiments of the I-TIL process.

Example 17: Testing Concentrations for Various Akt Inhibitors in Combination with IL-2+IL-21 During Rep

This Example describes the further evaluation of the effect of titrated doses of different AKT inhibitors in combination with IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) on preventing effector differentiation, promoting more stem-like attributes and improving functionality of TILs during REP. The overarching goal of these experiments is to examine the growth conditions during the whole expansion process of TILs to augment their stem-like attributes while improving their functional and phenotypic characteristics.

Frozen pre-REP TILs were thawed and REPed under different conditions in 24-well GREX plates. Cytokines were given twice (Day 0 and Day 5 of pre-REP). The following conditions were included in the REP protocol used in 24-well G-Rex plates:

-   -   1) Feeder:TIL ratio 250:1 with 5 million feeders and 20,000 TILs         per well, OKT3 at 30 ng/mL,     -   2) On day 0 the REP is initiated with 3 mL of CM2 with cytokines         and compounds,     -   3) On day five 5 mL of CM4 media was added to each well,     -   4) All cytokines and compounds are added twice on day 0 and day         5.

Pre-REP TILs from 3 different indications were thawed and REPped in a G-REX 24-well plate. The following conditions were tested: IL-2 30001U/mL, IL-2 10001U/mL, IL-2 10001U/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+5 uM GDC-0068, IL-2 10001U/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+5 uM GDC-0068+20 nM DAC, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+5 uM GDC-0068+300 uM L-2HG, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+0.2 Borrusertib, IL-2 10001U/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+3 uM GSK2110183, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+1 uM AZD5363, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+2 uM AZD5363, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+1 uM MK-2206, IL-2 10001U/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+2 uM MK-2206, IL-2 10001U/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+3 uM GDC-0068+TGFb (5 ng/ml), and IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+TGFb (5 ng/ml).

Conclusions of these experiments (illustrated in FIGS. 98-10 ⁶) include the finding that different AKT inhibitors in combination with IL-2 at 1000 IU/ml in combination with IL-21 (10 ng/ml) conferred further beneficial phenotypic changes on TILs apart from the changes already conferred by reduced IL-2 levels in combination with IL-21 associated with expression of inhibitory receptors, reduced activation, more stem-like qualities and improved functionality.

Example 18: Testing of Azd5363 in Combination with IL-2+IL-21 DURING REP

This Example describes the testing of the concentration and dosing of AZD5363 in combination with IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) on preventing effector differentiation, promoting more stem-like attributes and improving functionality of TILs during REP. The overarching goal of these experiments is to examine the growth conditions during the whole expansion process of TILs to augment their stem-like attributes while improving their functional and phenotypic characteristics.

Frozen pre-REP TILs were thawed and REPed under different conditions in 24-well GREX plates. Cytokines given twice (Day 0 and Day 5 of pre-REP). Pre-REP TILs from 3 different indications were thawed and REPped in a G-REX 24 well plate. The following conditions were included in the REP protocol used in 24-well G-Rex plates:

-   -   1) Feeder:TIL ratio 250:1 with 5 million feeders and 20,000 TILs         per well, OKT3 at 30 ng/mL,     -   2) On day 0 the REP is initiated with 3 mL of CM2 with cytokines         and compounds,     -   3) On day five 5 mL of CM4 media was added to each well,     -   4) All cytokines and compounds are added twice on day 0 and day         5.

The following conditions were tested: IL-2 30001U/mL, IL-2 10001U/mL, IL-2 10001U/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+1 uM AZD5363 (added twice), IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+1 uM AZD5363 (added once), IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+2 uM AZD5363 (added twice), and IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+2 uM AZD5363 (added once).

Conclusions of these experiments (illustrated in FIGS. 107-117 ) include the finding that AZD5363 at 1 or 2 uM given once or twice in combination with IL-2 at 1000 IU/ml+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) conferred further beneficial phenotypic changes on TILs apart from the changes already conferred by reduced IL-2 levels in combination with IL-21 associated with reduced expression of inhibitory receptors, reduced activation, more stem-like qualities and improved functionality.

Example 19: Comparison of Use of IL-21 and Akti with Higher Doses of IL-2 or with IL-15

This Example describes the evaluation of the effects of IL-21 (10 ng/ml)+ AZD5363 in combination with increasing doses of IL-2 or IL-15 and evaluation of the overall impact on preventing effector differentiation, promoting more stem-like attributes and improving functionality of TILs during REP. The overarching goal of these experiments is to examine the growth conditions during the whole expansion process of TILs to augment their stem-like attributes while improving their functional and phenotypic characteristics.

Frozen pre-REP TILs were thawed and REPed under different conditions in 24-well GREX plates. Cytokines were given twice (Day 0 and Day 5 of pre-REP). Pre-REP TILs from 3 different indications were thawed and REPped in a G-REX 24 well plate. The following conditions were included in the REP protocol used in 24-well G-Rex plates:

-   -   1) Feeder:TIL ratio 250:1 with 5 million feeders and 20,000 TILs         per well, OKT3 at 30 ng/mL,     -   2) On day 0 the REP is initiated with 3 mL of CM2 with cytokines         and compounds,     -   3) On day five 5 mL of CM4 media was added to each well,     -   4) All cytokines and compounds are added twice on day 0 and day         5.         The following conditions were tested: IL-2 30001U/mL, IL-2         20001U/mL, IL-2 1000 IU/mL, IL-2 30001U/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml, IL-2         20001U/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml, IL-2 1000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml, IL-2         3000 IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+2 uM AZD5363 (added once), IL-2 2000         IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+2 uM AZD5363 (added once), IL-2 1000         IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+2 uM AZD5363 (added once), and IL-15 10         ng/ml+IL-21 10 ng/ml+1 uM AZD5363 (added twice).

Conclusions of these experiments (illustrated in FIGS. 118-127 ) include the finding that the combination of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml), IL-21 (10 ng/ml), and 2 uM AZD5363 given once induces many of the desired changes in preventing effector differentiation during the REP process, increasing the stem-like phenotype of TILs and improving functional responses while decreasing the frequency of inhibitory receptor expression. These effects were comparable to IL-15 (10 ng/ml), IL-21 (10 ng/ml), and AZD5363 but the effects from this latter combination on cytokine production and in particular IL-2 were quite significant. IL-15 combination also further reduced the activation state of TILs.

Example 20: Evaluation of Azd5363 Concentration and Dose for USE WITH IL-15 (10 ng/mL) AND IL-21 (10 ng/mL)

This Example describes the evaluation of the dose and concentration to use for AZD5363 in combination with IL-15 (10 ng/ml)+IL-21(10 ng/ml) in comparison to IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml) and evaluation of the overall impact on preventing effector differentiation, promoting more stem-like attributes and improving functionality of TILs during REP. The overarching goal of these experiments is to examine the growth conditions during the whole expansion process of TILs to augment their stem-like attributes while improving their functional and phenotypic characteristics.

Pre-REP TILs from 3 different indications were thawed and REPped in a G-REX 24 well plate. Cytokines were given twice (Day 0 and Day 5 of pre-REP). The following conditions were included in the REP protocol used in 24-well G-Rex plates:

-   -   1) Feeder:TIL ratio 250:1 with 5 million feeders and 20,000 TILs         per well, OKT3 at 30 ng/mL,     -   2) On day 0 the REP is initiated with 3 mL of CM2 with cytokines         and compounds,     -   3) On day five 5 mL of CM4 media was added to each well,     -   4) All cytokines and compounds are added twice on day 0 and day         5.         The following conditions were tested: IL-2 30001U/mL, IL-2 1000         IU/mL+IL-21 10 ng/ml+2 uM AZD5363 (added once), IL-15 10         ng/ml+IL-21 10 ng/ml+2 uM AZD5363 (added once), IL-15 10         ng/ml+IL-21 10 ng/ml+1 uM AZD5363 (added twice), and IL-15 10         ng/ml+IL-21 10 ng/ml+2 uM followed by 1 uM AZD5363.

Conclusions of these experiments (illustrated in FIGS. 128-137 ) include the finding that the combination of IL-15 (10 ng/ml), IL-21 (10 ng/ml), and AZD5363 induces many of the desired changes in preventing effector differentiation during the REP process, increasing the stem-like phenotype of TILs and improving functional responses while decreasing the frequency of inhibitory receptor expression. Particularly, the effects on increasing IFNg, TNFa and IL-2 are more pronounced than for IL-2 (1000 IU/ml) and IL-21 (10 ng/ml). The dose and concentration for AZD5363 in combination with IL-15 (10 ng/ml) and IL-21 (10 ng/ml) is 1 μM given twice in various embodiments of the I-TIL process.

Example 21: Evaluation of the Conditions of the I-TIL Process

This Example describes examination of the conditions for the I-TIL process in comparison to the use of IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml)+2 uM AZD5363 with IL-15 (10 ng/ml)+IL-21(10 ng/ml)+2 uM AZD5363 during the REP phase. The overarching goal of these experiments is to examine the growth conditions during the whole expansion process of TILs to augment their stem-like attributes while improving their functional and phenotypic characteristics.

Tumors (N=18) were received and processed for both pre-REP and REP expansion to test and select a preferred set of conditions, nominated as the final I-TIL (invigorated TIL) conditions.

Pre-REP conditions tested in 6-well G-Rex plates using fresh tumors include the following: IL-2 (6000 IU/ml) and IL-2 (3000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml). Cytokines were added twice on Day 0 and Day 5 of pre-REP.

Pre-REP cells were then frozen until all pre-REP samples were generated in order to initiate the REP together at the same time. Frozen pre-REP TILs were thawed and rested overnight in their corresponding conditions followed by REP in 24-well G-Rex plates. The tested conditions include the following: IL-2 (30001U/mL), IL-2 (1000 IU/mL)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml), IL-2 (1000 IU/mL)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml)+2 uM AZD5363, IL-15 (10 ng/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml), and IL-15 (10 ng/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml)+2 uM AZD5363. Cytokines were added twice on Day 0 and Day 5 and AZD5363 was only added once on Day 0 of REP.

Conclusions of these experiments (illustrated in FIGS. 138-147 ) include the finding that the combination of IL-15 (10 ng/ml), IL-21 (10 ng/ml), and AZD5363 induces many of the desired changes in preventing effector differentiation during the REP process, increasing the stem-like phenotype of TILs and improving functional responses while decreasing the frequency of inhibitory receptor expression. Particularly, the effects on increasing IFNg, TNFa and IL-2 are more pronounced than for the IL-2 (1000 IU/ml)+IL-21 (10 ng/ml)+ AZD5363 condition. This is also the case for CXCR3 expression and reduction in CD69+CD39+ cells. The yield and viability of the process is also significantly augmented with the IL-15 conditions.

Example 22: Comparison of the Invigo-T Process with Others

This Example describes aspects of the Invigo-T (also referred to herein as I-TIL) process in comparison to other processes used to expand TILs, including the Gen 2 process and the Invigo-T protocol without AZD5363. The overarching goal of these experiments is to examine the phenotypic characteristics of TILs expanded with the Invigo-T process and how they differ from others.

Post-REP TILs were assessed by FACS for cytokine expression following OKT3 stimulation at 1 ug/ml for 6 hrs in the presence of Brefeldin A. The frequency of CD⁸+ TILs exhibiting expression of all three cytokines measured were significantly elevated as compared to the Gen 2 control or Invigo-T without AZD5363. Similar results were observed for CD⁴+ TILs (data not shown).

TILs were then tested for cytotoxicity in an allogeneic environment after coculture for 24 hrs with KILR® THP-1 cells at a 10:1 effector-to-target cell. The Invigo-T process demonstrated significantly more cytotoxicity than the Gen 2 control, though no significant difference with or without AZD5363. TILs were next stimulated every 3 days with TransAct followed by coculture for 24 hrs with KILR® THP-1 cells before being assessed for cytotoxicity and IFNg expression (as measured byflow cytometry staining). The Invigo-T process again demonstrated signficantly more cytotoxicity than the Gen 2 control.

This correlated with elevated levels of IFNg for the I-TIL process as compared to either Gen 2 or Invigo-T without AZD5363. These results correlate with the overall phenotypic changes observed with the Invigo-T process on either CD⁸+ TILs or CD⁴+ TILs, as compared to the other two conditions tested.

Conclusions of these experiments (illustrated in FIGS. 148-150 ) include that the Invigo-T expansion process increases the polyfunctionality of TILs and TIL cytotoxicity in an allogeneic setting. These changes manifest phenotypically in greater expression of functional markers on CD⁸+ and CD⁴+ TILs.

Invigo-T expansion process provides significant improvement through multiple metrics that correlate with both TIL persistence and response, including enhanced polyfunctionality, reduced inhibitory receptor expression, a more stem-like phenotype (FIG. 154B), and an increase in the frequency of less activated and differentiated TIL.

scRNAseq data shows that Invigo-T treated samples are enriched in the CD39-CD69−(DN) gene cluster correlated with response (FIG. 155 ) and further corroborate a less differentiated phenotype (FIGS. 157 & 159 ). Additionally, scRNAseq data corroborate reduced expression of exhaustion related gene signatures for both CD8 (FIG. 154 ) and CD4 TIL (FIG. 160 ).

Methods: Single Cell RNA Sequencing

Cryopreserved control or InvigoT treated TIL (n=5 per group) were thawed and washed twice with PBS+0.04% BSA. Cell Viability was assessed using a Nexcelom Cellaca automated cell counter using AOPI. Dead cell removal was performed on samples containing fewer than 75% viable cells, using the Miltenyi Dead Cell Removal kit, according to manufacturer guidelines. Single cell gel-bead emulsions were prepared using 10× Chromium×controller. Sequencing libraries were prepared using 10x 5′ Immune profiling v2 reagents, following manufacturers guidelines; and sequenced on Illumina NextSeq2000 instrument with an insert read length of 90 base pairs. Primary and secondary data analysis were performed using Cell Ranger v7 (10× Genomics) with default parameters. The R package Seurat1 was used for tertiary analysis and data visualization. Genes detected in less than 3 cells were discarded. TCRA and TCRB genes were removed to avoid clonotype clustering bias. The following empirically determined filters were applied to remove dead cells, doublets, or low-quality cells: percent mitochondria reads less than 8% and number of genes detected between 500 and 6000. The resulting total of 88,396 individual cells were used for downstream analysis. For cell type identification, samples were mapped to an in-house developed, manually annotated, multi-modal GEN2 TIL reference atlas using the FindTransferAnchors and MapQuery functions from the Seurat package with default parameters. Based on the reference mapping annotation, cells were then subset into CD⁴+ T cells or CD⁸+ T Cells and analyzed separately in the same manner. Variable features were identified after normalization. Samples were then grouped based on treatment (CTRL vs InvigoT) and integrated across different donors. Data were then scaled and dimensions reduced with npcs=50. Clusters were defined with resolution parameter at 0.5. Differential expression analysis was performed using the FindMarkers function with default parameters. Pseudotime analysis was performed using the R package Monoc1e3² with IL7R as the root cells marker gene. For gene set analysis, the R packages Escape³, UCell⁴, and pheatmap⁵ were used to quantify and visualize the gene set scores for the CD39/CD69 double negative and double positive gene signatures from Krishna et al.⁶, the stem like memory signature from Jansen et al.⁷, the TEX signature from Zhang et al.⁸, the CD8 stem like memory from Caushi et al.⁹, the tumor specific TTE signature from Oliverira¹⁰, and the exhaustion (#3) signature from Feldman¹¹.

Bulk TCR Sequencing

Total RNA was extracted from approximately 1 million cells using NEB Monarch Total RNA Miniprep Kit. Up to 500 ng of purified Total RNA was used as template for preparing TCR beta-chain libraries using Takara SMARTer Human TCR a/b Profiling Kit v2, according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Equimolar quantities of each library were pooled together and sequenced on a NextSeq2000 with paired end 150 bp reads. Primary analysis of FASTQ files to identify and quantify productive rearrangements (clonotypes) was performed using RTCR¹² with default parameters. Clonotypes with a less than perfect average base quality score in the CDR3 region were filtered out. Tertiary analysis and data visualization was performed using the R package immunarch¹³. With R representing the number of unique clonotypes (richness) and P, representing the relative abundance (proportion) of clonotype i; Shannon Diversity Index was calculated as follows:

$\frac{- {\sum_{i = 1}^{R}{P_{i}\ln\left( P_{i} \right)}}}{\ln(R)}$

and Simpson Clonality Index was calculated as follows: √{square root over (Σ_(i=1) ^(R)P_(i) ²)}

REFERENCES

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The examples set forth above are provided to give those of ordinary skill in the art a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the embodiments of the compositions, systems and methods of the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Modifications of the above-described modes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to persons of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. All patents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

All headings and section designations are used for clarity and reference purposes only and are not to be considered limiting in any way. For example, those of skill in the art will appreciate the usefulness of combining various aspects from different headings and sections as appropriate according to the spirit and scope of the invention described herein.

All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Many modifications and variations of this application can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments and examples described herein are offered by way of example only, and the application is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which the claims are entitled. What is claimed is: 

1. A method of making a population of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the method comprising the steps of: (a) performing a first expansion by culturing a tumor sample obtained from a cancer patient to generate a first population of TILs in a cell culture medium comprising IL-2 to produce a second population of TILs, wherein the first expansion is performed for about 3-14 days to obtain the second population of TILs; (b) performing a second expansion by culturing the second population of TILs in a cell culture medium having IL-2 at a concentration of 3000 IU/mL or lower, OKT-3, and antigen presenting cells (APCs), to produce a third population of TILs, wherein the second expansion is performed for about 7-14 days to obtain the third population of TILs, wherein the third population of TILs comprises a therapeutic population of TILs; (c) harvesting the third population of TILs obtained from step (b); and (d) transferring the harvested third population of TILs from step (c) to an infusion bag.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the culture medium of step (a) and/or step (b) comprises IL-15 and/or IL-21.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the culture medium of step (a) and/or step (b) comprises IL-15 and/or IL-21 at a concentration of about 1 ng/mL to about 100 ng/mL.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the culture medium of step (a) and/or step (b) comprises IL-15 and/or IL-21 at a concentration of about 10 ng/mL.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the culture medium in step (a) and/or step (b) comprises a protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the culture medium in step (a) or step (b) comprises the AKT inhibitor at a concentration of about 0.1 μM to about 10 μM.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the culture medium in step (a) or step (b) comprises the AKT inhibitor at a concentration of about 1 μM.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the AKT inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ipatasertib, GSK690693, GSK2141795, GSK2110183, AZD5363, GDC-0068, AT7867, CCT128930, MK-2206, BAY 1125976, Perifosine, Oridonin, Herbacetin, Tehranolide, Isoliquiritigenin, Scutellarin, and Honokiol.
 9. The method of claim 5, wherein the AKT inhibitor is AZD5363.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the culture medium in step (a) comprises IL-2 at a concentration of 3000 IU/mL and IL-21 at a concentration of about 10 ng/mL.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the culture medium in step (b) contains no IL-2.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the culture medium in step (b) comprises IL-15 at a concentration of about 10 ng/mL and IL-21 at a concentration of about 10 ng/mL.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the culture medium in step (b) comprises the AKT inhibitor at a concentration of about 1 μM.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the AKT inhibitor is AZD5363.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the first expansion is performed over a period of about 11 days.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the second expansion is performed over a period of about 11 days.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the first expansion and the second expansion are each individually performed within a period of 5 days, 6 days, or 7 days.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the first expansion is performed within a period of 7 days, 8 days, or 9 days.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the second expansion is performed within a period of 7 days, 8 days, or 9 days.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the first expansion and the second expansion are each individually performed within a period of 7 days.
 21. The method of claim 1, wherein steps of the first expansion through the harvesting of the therapeutic population of TILs are performed within a period of about 14 days to about 16 days.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein steps of the first expansion through the harvesting of the therapeutic population of TILs are performed within a period of about 15 days to about 16 days.
 23. The method of claim 1, wherein steps of the first expansion through the harvesting of the therapeutic population of TILs are performed within a period of about 14 days.
 24. The method of claim 1, wherein steps of the first expansion through the harvesting of the therapeutic population of TILs are performed within a period of about 15 days.
 25. The method of claim 1, wherein steps of the first expansion through the harvesting of the therapeutic population of TILs are performed within a period of about 16 days.
 26. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of cryopreserving the harvested therapeutic population of TILs using a cryopreservation process.
 27. The method of claim 1, further comprises a step of enzymatically digesting the tumor sample to obtain a tumor digest comprising the first population of TILs.
 28. The method of claim 1, wherein the tumor sample is obtained from surgical resection, needle biopsy, core biopsy, small biopsy, or other means that contains a mixture of tumor and TIL cells from the cancer.
 29. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of cryopreserving the infusion bag comprising the harvested third population of TILs using a cryopreservation process.
 30. The method of claim 1, wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of melanoma, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), lung cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer, cancer caused by human papilloma virus, head and neck cancer (including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)), renal cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. 